As part of efforts to commemorate the 2026 National Ordnance Day, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has organised a capacity-building workshop to equip ambassadors with the knowledge and skills to promote Nigeria’s national symbols and strengthen civic identity.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Special Duties and Zonal Operations, Mr David Akoji, said national symbols remain a significant component of every nation, serving as important expressions of its identity, history, values and sovereignty.
Akoji noted that the workshop is an avenue to raise and nurture ambassadors who would promote the national symbols, foster love and respect for them, and encourage a positive disposition towards their significance and values among Nigerians.
He also encouraged Nigerians to remain patriotic and demonstrate greater commitment to the nation by respecting its national symbols, upholding its values and contributing positively to national development.
Speaking earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Civic Education and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, welcomed all stakeholders to the workshop, describing it as timely and necessary, particularly as it coincides with the 2026 National Ordinance Day.
According to her, the promotion and respect for national symbols should not be limited to a single day or occasion, but should be a continuous practice that all Nigerians imbibe and uphold in their daily lives.
The workshop also featured two paper presentations delivered by the Director of Media and Communication, Mallam Bala Musa, and the Agency’s former Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Mr Samuel Soughul.
In his paper presentation, Mallam Bala addressed the significance of national symbols as tools of national identity, their connection to citizenship, challenges to civic identity in Nigeria, NOA’s role in promoting national symbols and civic identity, and strategic communication approaches for NOA officers.
Soughul, in his presentation, focused on the general understanding of national symbols, including their meaning, features, uses and historical significance, while highlighting their importance in promoting national identity and unity.
Some other directors of the Agency present at the event include; Director of General Services, Mrs Rebecca Nasamu; Director Community Outreach and Development, Mrs Adaline Waye Patari; Director of Health and Social Care, Dr Ayoola Abiodun Olufemi.
The workshop also had in attendance corps members, the agency’s staff, members of the civil society groups, among others.