By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Zambian government has indicated interest in understudying the operations of the National Values Charter, the cornerstone of the proposed Nigerian Identity Project (NIP).
This was the outcome of the second meeting between the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Zambian High Commission officials in Nigeria led by the Deputy High Commissioner, Jenipher Mutembo in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu said: “the agency is one of the largest in Nigeria, with 818 offices across all 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“We are deeply rooted at the grassroots level and remain a vital communication channel between the government and the people”.
The D-G said NOA promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians.
He expressed hope that Zambia might similarly engage in such partnerships with Nigeria.
Speaking further, Issa-Onilu commented on the narrow perception of leadership in Africa, typically limited to political figures, instead of encompassing civil, traditional, and moral leaders as influencers of national values.
In her remarks, Mutembo expressed sincere gratitude for the hospitality and openness extended by Issa-Onilu and his team, recognising the institutional strength and nationwide structure of the NOA.
“I must commend your presence in all local government areas. This grassroots model is powerful, and we see its potential as a framework other African countries, Zambia included, can learn from”.
She applauded the agency’s commitment in providing an opportunity for Zambia to observe, learn, and possibly adopt aspects of NOA’s operational methodology for national reorientation and civic education.
Mutembo stressed that the shared African values, youth influence, and the role of media, particularly touching on cultural perceptions are exported through Nigeria’s creative industry.
“Our young people are watching these films. They are learning, forming ideas, and creating perceptions, sometimes misinformed, about success, morality, and identity.
“What we portray shapes national values and international image. As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that the content reach the public, inspires unity, innovation, dignity, and pride in African heritage.
“Nigeria is the cultural giant of Africa, and Nollywood is one of your most powerful exports.
“However, as a sister country, I must mention, with respect, that there is growing concern in Zambia, particularly among our youth, about the dominant themes of rituals, occultism, and superstitions in many Nollywood productions,” she stated.
She proposed a more formal mechanism for technical cooperation between Zambia and Nigeria on civic education and grassroots mobilisation, cultural diplomacy and media content exchange.
She further reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for NOA’s strategic leadership.
She added that Zambia is actively seeking models that foster behavioural change and civic responsibility to support sustainable development.
“Nigeria’s investment in structured national orientation can serve as a reference for Zambia’s own national development strategy, particularly in promoting public participation in governance and responsible citizenship”.
NAN reports that NIP is a long-term civic reawakening initiative, championed by NOA and anchored in the National Values Charter (NVC), which was ratified by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in October 2024.
The project is currently in the process of being institutionalised through various policies and is distinct from the technical National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) digital ID system.
The NIP, which focuses on civic values and orientation, should not be confused with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project (ID4D), which focuses on providing a functional and verifiable digital identity for accessing services. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
