By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has sensitised personnel and trainees
of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to the Nigerian Identity Project and the National Values Charter.
The sensitisation, on Wednesday in Kaduna by the Director-General (D-G) of the NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, was part of efforts to promote shared national values and foster patriotism among Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Issa-Onilu was represented by the Director of Special Duties and Zonal Coordination at the NOA Headquarters in Abuja, Mr David Akoji.
The director-general sensitised the participants of the 33rd Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC) Basic International Course at the Correctional Staff College, Barnawa Kaduna.
He also sensitised the course participants of Basic Recruitment Training (BRT) 241 at the Correctional Service Training School, Kaduna.
Issa-Onilu said that both the Nigerian Identity Project and the National Values Charter had been approved by the Federal Executive Council and were expected to be formally unveiled by the President Bola Tinubu in the present month.
According to him, the Nigerian Identity Project seeks to define and promote seven core values common to all Nigerians, regardless of religion, culture, or ethnicity.
“Before now, there was no clear description of the values and character that define us as Nigerians, which has made others define us by the worst among us.
“But now, the Nigerian promise and citizens’ codes will serve as our collective identity,” he said.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that the Nigerian promise would guide leaders at all levels, ranging from government officials to family heads, school administrators, and market leaders, while the citizens’ codes would define the expected conduct of every Nigerian.
Speaking on the role of the Correctional Service in promoting the national values, the director-general said the service plays a dual role as both security personnel and reformers.
“Correctional officers must embody the citizens’ codes and uphold the Nigerian promise because they are leaders over those in their custody,” he explained.
Issa-Onilu added that the sensitisation also targets inmates to help them internalise national values, acquire life skills, and reintegrate as responsible citizens after their release.
“We want them to know what makes a good Nigerian citizen so they can aspire to become one,” he emphasised.
He said the initiative aligned with NOA’s mission of building a nation defined by integrity, discipline, and unity for peace and progress.
At the Correctional Staff College, Barnawa, the Commandant, ACG Soliu Adepoju, commended NOA for initiating the lecture, describing it as timely and relevant to the service’s mission of reforming and developing disciplined officers.
He said the sensitisation would further strengthen the moral fabric of personnel and help them translate the principles of the Nigerian Identity Project into their daily duties.
“These values are essential to building integrity, patriotism, and service excellence among officers who are responsible for rehabilitating others,” Adepoju stated.
At the Correctional Service Training School, the Commandant, Controller of Corrections (CC) Muhammad Fari, said the lecture was a welcome development that complements the training objectives of the institution.
He emphasised that beyond professional skills, cadets and trainees must be grounded in moral and national values that reflect integrity, discipline, and respect for human dignity.
Fari urged the participants to take the message seriously and live by the Nigerian Promise and Citizens’ Codes in their service to the nation.
“As correctional officers, we are not only enforcers of the law but also agents of moral reformation.
“These values will help shape how we serve, lead, and influence those in our custody,” he added.
In his remarks, the Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, commended NOA for its enlightenment initiative, adding that it aligned with the Service’s mission of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates into society.
Nwakuche, represented by Isyaku Ibrahim, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Training and Staff Development (TSD), said the lectures would not only improve the moral and ethical standards of the cadets and trainees but also strengthen their understanding of national values in service to the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)