Over the past six decades, Nigeria has faced the insidious scourge of corruption that has relentlessly eroded the nation’s moral fabric.
In the face of this pervasive issue, and recent developments leading to the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation by President Bola Tinubu, the question arises: should the country continue to retain a National Orientation Agency (NOA) , or should the agency be rechristened as the National Reorientation Agency (NRA) ?
To tackle this, we must delve into the essence of orientation and reorientation, the importance of core values and guiding principles for a nation, and the necessity for public servants to uphold ethics and professionalism.
For 63 years since gaining independence, Nigeria has grappled with a corrosive force – corruption – which has gradually obliterated the foundations upon which a nation should be built. The national anthem, once a rallying cry for unity and patriotism, now seems like a hollow tune. Words like “love,” “strength,” “faith,” and the “labour of our heroes past” have lost their meaning in a society lacking a robust value system.
The national pledge, with its commitment to be “faithful, loyal, and honest” and to “uphold her honour and glory,” now feels like mere rhetoric.
Phrases currently associated with Nigeria and Nigerians, such as “fantastically corrupt,” “dishonest,” “dubious,” Yahoo boys and “419,” have overshadowed the positive contributions Nigerians make globally.
From the north to the south, and the east to the west, every corner of Nigeria bears the scars of a valueless society. The consequences of this erosion are evident across socio-economic and political aspects of our nation.
In an effort to instill a value system, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) was established with the mission to ensure that government programs and policies are understood by the public, as well as fostering an orderly, responsible, and patriotic Nigerian society.
However, one critical element was overlooked from the inception of the NOA – Nigerians had an existing orientation that required reorientation.
Orientation, in the context of this article, refers to a person’s basic attitudes, beliefs, or feelings about a particular subject or issue. It is a fundamental aspect of addressing the issue plaguing Nigeria.
However, what is truly needed is reorientation, which involves changing the focus or direction of something or reevaluating one’s position in relation to their environment. This is what is needed in Nigeria by all Nigerians.
To achieve this monumental shift, the NOA must recognize two key facts:
Nigerians have an existing, deeply ingrained orientation. To succeed in its objectives, the NOA must transition from being orientation focused to being reorientation focused.
The federal government and the legislature must collaborate to reform the NOA’s framework, starting with its name.
Establishing NOA offices in every state across Nigeria is also essential.
In conclusion, the transformation of Nigeria hinges greatly on the reorientation of its people, and this should be a top priority by the President Bola Tinubu led administration.
Appointments to the agency’s management should prioritise individuals with proven track record of defined purpose and strong values, driven by a genuine concern for Nigeria and its citizens.
Our journey towards a better Nigeria and lasting transformation begins with a massive reorientation of Nigerians. Let us hope that this journey commences today because tomorrow may be too late.
Henry Balogun is the publisher of HB Report and Founder, All Progressives Network
