NOA warns pupils against violence, drug abuse
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has encouraged students to avoid violence and drug abuse while embracing values that strengthen unity and patriotism.
Speaking in Lokoja during the 2025 North Central Zonal Campus Debate Series themed “Unity in Diversity: Defining Nigerian Identity in a Multicultural Society,” NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu made the appeal through the agency’s North Central Zonal Director, Dr. Priscilla Gondoalour.
The event brought together students from different institutions nationwide to engage in thought-provoking discussions on national unity, patriotism, and identity.
Issa-Onilu explained that the debate series serves not just as a competition but as an important platform for civic engagement. According to him, it follows a three-stage process where institutions across the 36 states and the FCT submit video entries evaluated on specific criteria. Successful participants will advance to the national finals, scheduled to hold in Abuja during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. The grand finale will take place at the Presidential Villa, where President Bola Tinubu is expected to unveil the National Value Charter—a document celebrating youth voices in nation-building.
He further noted that the NOA has created new platforms to amplify young people’s voices and foster national unity and diversity. Issa-Onilu also praised the zonal and state directors, facilitators, and partners for their contributions to the success of the debate series across the country.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Director of NOA, Patrick Edogbanya, commended students, lecturers, traditional leaders, and organisations for their support. He described the debate as proof of the agency’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening Nigeria’s collective identity. Home
