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NOA Launches Campaign To Enlighten Public On Critical Issues Of National Unity, Wellbeing
The National Orientation Agency, NOA has launched a campaign to enlighten the people on five critical issues that are central to national unity and wellbeing.
The critical issues centre on combating HIV/AIDS, need for collective efforts on security, need to combat get-rich-quick syndrome amongst youths, efforts to protect human rights, and the importance of the Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly.
At a news briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said Nigerians must have a shared commitment towards addressing these issues to engender a more informed, secure, and ethical society.
The Director-General, represented by the NOA Kwara State Director, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiu explained that the Federal Government had put measures in place to combat spread of HIV and provide free treatment for infected persons, emphasized the role of collective effort to halt transmission and stop stigmatization of infected persons.
“The government has intensified efforts to: Provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide. Ensure antiretroviral treatment is available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS. Partner with local and international organizations to combat stigma and discrimination.
“However, it should be noted that the government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS. Citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviors, and support those living with HIV/AIDS. Citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
On the Tax Reform Bills, Mallam Issa-Onilu explained that reforms when implemented, would stop multiple taxation, create enabling environment for businesses to thrive and development of public infrastructure.
“…these reforms will benefit everyone:
1) No More Double Taxes: The government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing.
2) Support for Low-Income Earners: Those earning very little will pay little or no taxes, helping them manage their finances better.
3) Simpler and Transparent Processes: New digital systems are being introduced to make tax payments easier, faster, and more accountable.
4) Visible Impact of Taxes: Tax revenue will be used to improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, ensuring citizens see the benefits of their contributions.
These reforms are designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring everyone contributes fairly.”
On the get-rich-quick syndrome, he advised youths to take advantage of the various programmes of the government such as students loans, grants and skills acquisition programmes to empower themselves to create legitimate means of income.
“Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.”
The NOA Director General, who emphasized the role of traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, educational institutions and the media in amplifying these messages, announced that a stakeholders town hall meeting would be held soon, in furtherance of the agency’s mandate.
Mallam Issa-Onilu added that the Federal government remains committed to protecting the dignity every citizen through strengthening of legal frameworks on human rights violations.
Earlier, Staff of NOA in Kwara State, students and civil society organisations embarked on a road walk to create awareness on the five critical areas and call for support from citizens to spread the messages.
The theme for the sensitisation is Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
