The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has unveiled its 2025 Counter-Terrorism Strategy alongside a two-week nationwide enlightenment drive to boost public awareness on security, disaster preparedness, civic values, and respect for Nigeria’s national symbols.
The NOA reaffirmed the importance of respecting Nigeria’s national symbols, the flag, anthem, and pledge, and integrating civic education in schools to inspire pride in the nation’s heritage.
The campaign, flagged off in Abuja by NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, will run simultaneously in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the 774 local government areas.
He said: “Today marks the beginning of a two-week nationwide civic engagement drive across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and across all 774 Local Government Areas of our great country.
“This is not just another campaign, it is a coordinated national awakening that touches the very heart of our identity, safety, values, and development. The National Orientation Agency, in line with its constitutional mandate, is rolling out five thematic campaigns designed to address some of the most pressing issues in our communities today.
“Our democracy thrives only when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Our communities are safer when citizens are alert and cooperative. Our youth flourish when guided by the right values. Our heritage endures when we uphold our symbols and identity. Our lives and livelihoods are preserved when we prepare ahead of natural disasters.”
Issa-Onilu noted that citizens’ safety and national unity depend on collective responsibility, adding that communities must be proactive in preventing crime, responding to disaster warnings, and fostering national pride.
With Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) projections indicating high flood risks in 27 states, he urged communities to clear drainage systems, comply with relocation advisories, and embrace early warning systems.
On security, he stressed that “security is everybody’s business,” urging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to keep communities safe.
He also cautioned against extreme graduation celebrations that endanger lives, instead promoting safe, disciplined, and patriotic events.
As part of the campaign, press conferences will be held in all states and the FCT, while grassroots outreach will target markets, schools, motor parks, religious institutions, and community halls. Information materials in English and major Nigerian languages will be distributed, with radio, television, and social media campaigns running daily.
He called on the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, student unions, and community groups to join in fostering patriotism, unity, and vigilance.
Issa-Onilu added, “Let us use these two weeks to ignite a new spirit of patriotism, vigilance, unity, and responsibility. Together, we can make the values we preach the values we live.
“Our flag, our anthem, our pledge – these unite us beyond tribe or tongue. We will revive respect for our national symbols, integrate civic education in schools, and inspire pride in our shared heritage.
“Press conferences will be held in all 36 states + FCT. Grassroots outreach will take place in markets, schools, motor parks, religious institutions, and community halls in all 774 LGAS. IEC materials in English and major Nigerian languages will be distributed.”
The campaign will engage the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, student unions, and community groups in promoting unity, security consciousness, and national pride.
Feedback channels, including toll-free lines and social media platforms, will be open throughout the campaign for citizens to share concerns and suggestions.