NOA , Stakeholders seek support to combat Insecurity, fight against Quick Wealth Scams, HIV/AIDS

In the face of daunting national challenges, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and key stakeholders gathered in Abuja yesterday to sensitise Nigerians on critical issues affecting their lives. The engagement covered topics such as insecurity, HIV/AIDS, get-rich-quick syndrome, tax reform bills, and more.

The Director of the NOA Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate, Mrs. Ijeoma Agbanusi, welcomed participants to the stakeholders’ engagement and town hall meeting themed “Promoting Ethical Values and National Development.” The event coincided with observances of World AIDS Day, World Human Rights Day, and campaigns addressing security awareness and financial integrity.

Broad Stakeholder Representation
The event attracted diverse stakeholders, including traditional rulers, representatives from the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Army, the Navy, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the media, among others.

Mrs. Agbanusi highlighted five key areas of focus for the campaign:
World AIDS Day Awareness: To promote understanding, reduce stigma, and address the inequalities driving the AIDS pandemic.
Security consciousness: encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Shunning get-rich-quick schemes: educating Nigerians on the dangers of financial scams and the value of hard work and integrity.
Human Rights Advocacy: strengthening awareness and action against human rights violations.
Tax Reform Education: Creating awareness of ongoing tax reforms aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and national development.

Key Messages from NOA
Mrs. Agbanusi emphasised the need for collective action to address these issues and urged citizens to remain informed about government policies, programmes, and projects. She outlined NOA’s efforts in the FCT, including public awareness campaigns, community outreach in area councils, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Speaking on World AIDS Day, she stated, This day reminds us of the need to address the inequalities driving the AIDS pandemic and to work collectively towards reducing the spread of the disease. Citizens are urged to take advantage of free HIV testing and counselling services nationwide, practice responsible health behaviours, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.”

 Security Consciousness
Mrs. Agbanusi stressed Security is everyone’s responsibility. “Citizens must remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary risks, and report suspicious activities to the authorities. The government has strengthened security measures through expanded policing and technology to combat crime.”

Regarding the get-rich-quick syndrome, Mrs. Agbanusi warned against the lure of financial scams: There is no shortcut to success. Wealth creation requires hard work, patience, and dedication. Citizens must embrace financial literacy and integrity while exploring government-backed youth empowerment and skill acquisition initiatives.”

On human rights, she called for greater respect and action to address violations:
“World Human Rights Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity and freedoms of all individuals. Citizens must stand for justice, report violations, and respect the rights of others.”
On tax reforms, she explained: The government has introduced four key tax reform bills aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing double taxation, and improving infrastructure development. Citizens are encouraged to understand and support these reforms as vital to national growth.”

A Call to Action
The FCT NOA Director concluded by urging all stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions, and civil society organisations, to join forces in addressing these critical issues for a better Nigeria. She noted this campaign is not just about government initiatives but about collective responsibility. Together, we can build a nation founded on ethical values and sustainable development.”

Expert Presentation on Tax Reforms
Agbanusi Uchechukwu Jonathan elaborated in a paper presentation on the need for tax reforms to boost economic growth. He emphasised that a robust tax system is the foundation of national development, citing proposed increases in value-added tax (VAT) as an example of the evolving tax landscape.”Educating citizens on these reforms is crucial to avoiding unnecessary anxiety and misinformation,” he added.

NOA’s Renewed Focus
In conclusion, the NOA’s renewed vigour in fulfilling its mandate of promoting national unity, patriotism, and awareness of government policies was evident. By engaging with citizens on these critical issues, the agency continues to act as a cornerstone for national development and cohesion.