Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) will launch a sensitization campaign on five critical issues central to the nation’s well-being, unity, and development on Thursday in Sokoto.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Larry Isah Olumelu while addressing journalists at a press conference at the secretariat of the Agency in Sokoto said, “We are commencing a nationwide mobilization of Nigerians to unite in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society.
“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.”
The DG stated that the critical issues are HIV/AIDS, Security, Human Rights, Get Rich Quick Syndrome, and the Tax Reform Bill, which is now before the National Assembly.
The Director General, who was represented by Mr John Bala, a Director at the NOA Headquarters Abuja, highlighted the HIV AIDS campaign as one of the programs aimed to complement the efforts being made by relevant health authorities to coincide with World HIV/AIDS Day: “We join the global community, the 36 states, the FCT, and the 774 Local Government areas, in raising awareness on the dangers of the scourge.
He said the Government would ensure the availability of anti-retroviral drugs, and treatment accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS, “Government will partner with local and international organizations to combat stigma and discrimination.
“Government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS. Citizens must take advantage of the services provided by the 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.
We shall be carrying these messages across the length and breadth of Nigeria through our diverse messaging platforms.”
Another key issue according to him is Security which remains a top priority of the federal government and efforts are being made to address the challenges that include strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies across the country.
He said deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat criminal activities requires the active support of citizens, who must report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies would help a great deal in combating the menace.
The NOA boss further at the press conference described, Get Rich Quick syndrome as another critical issue that needs adequate sensitization for citizens to Shun away from.
He said the federal government has since recognized the erosion of the age-long values and economic hardship that drives individuals and groups towards unethical practices, “The government is implementing youth empowerment programs such as the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) and other skill acquisition initiatives.
“Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens. In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal ways to acquire ill-gotten wealth to impress others is heightened. The NOA will in December be carrying out nationwide sensitization against the get-rich-quick syndrome.
“As we commemorate World Human Rights Day, the government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking”.
These efforts can only be successful when citizens stand for justice, respect the rights of others, and report violations to the appropriate authorities. We will in this nationwide campaign also be urging citizens to recognize that they also have civic responsibilities to uphold.
Speaking on the Tax Reform Bill, Mr Larry Isah said Taxation is essential for funding national development, but we recognize that it has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues like multiple taxations and its impact on low-income earners.
He said the Nigeria Tax Bill is where all major taxes imposed on individuals and companies are clearly stated as well as the rates. This bill is just like a compendium of taxes charged in Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Tax Bill amalgamated all the existing laws in which provisions for taxation were made. When passed, this bill will lead to the repeal of 11 laws that contain provisions on the imposition and collection of taxes.
“With the new tax reform if implemented, there will be no more double taxation, government is working to stop different levels of authorities from taxing people for the same thing.
“The visible Impact of Taxes is that revenue will be used to improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, ensuring citizens see the benefits of their contributions.”
Earlier in his remarks, the State Director of NOA, Babangida Kurfi, said his Agency in the state would carry the message to the grassroots through community mobilization assistants at the local government level.
