BY JULIAN OBASI……………CALABAR
The National Orientation Agency, NOA has frowned at the attitudes of some members of the public towards the national symbols, including the flag and currency, saying it is determined to hold perpetrators accountable.
The NOA said it would also sanction organizations improperly displaying the President’s portrait and flying torn or incorrectly coloured flags.
The Director General of National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Isa-Onilu who made this known in Calabar, during a press briefing, said the move was part of the agency’s efforts to promote patriotism, national unity, and respect for national values.
Malam Isa-Onilu, who was represented by the Agency’s Director on Community Safety, Awareness and Complaince, Mrs Tessy Nnalue, noted that the NOA was embarking on national sensitization campaign on 5 thematic areas of concern in the country’s national values, insisting that Nigerians must learn to do things differently for the common good.
He said the ongoing nationwide sensitization campaign bothered on the reorientation of our values amongst students; respect for the country’s national symbols, support for the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, collective responsibility on security, and awareness creation about flood mitigation.
Earlier in his remark, the NOA’s State Director, Mr John Asanya, decried the unpatriotic behaviours among many Nigerians which he said are worsening the country’s challenges and projecting a bad image internationally.
“Nothing is wrong with Nigeria. Nigerians are the problems of Nigeria. NOA is determined to ensure that we have a Nigeria of our dream. NOA is embarking on a massive campaign over the anomalies.
“Government offices, individuals and groups that treat our national symbols with disdain will be sanctioned.
“The Nigerian flag, if hoisted among other national flags, must be taller than the rest and must be in the middle. We will also punish anyone who wrongly places Mr. President’s portrait in the office or who does not use the approved portrait,” he emphasized.
The State Director enjoined the media to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency to take the campaign to the grassroots.
