From Idu Jude, Abuja
The National Orientation Agency in collaboration with UNESCO has been hailed for its apt initiative in promoting National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence Program with impact oriented activities that present a unique period for the inclusion of all ethnicities, religions, gender, and social statuses in Nigeria.
Recall that the National Festival of tolerance agenda, was launched in Abuja On the 25th May 2023 under the supervision of the National Orientation Agency , which was also used to launch the annual Festival of tolerance to hold on the 16th November, each year.
The Director General of National Orientation Agency, “Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu‘s through his personal Facebook handle announced that the agency would unveil a relatable national value charter for Nigerians in due course.
“The National Value Charter is a testament to the Director General of National Orientation Agency, “Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu‘s commitment to building on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative vision, the renewed hope agenda endeavoring to make the promise of democracy a reality for all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribal affiliation or religious beliefs. “This charter is not just a document; I believe that it is a call to action for all Nigerians to embrace the values of tolerance, respect, and understanding that are essential for building a just and equitable society.
Ms Ijeoma Akwara, the National Coordinator,of the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful coexistence, while speaking to The Sun Correspondent in Abuja Thursday, stated, “I believe that the National Value Charter, will play a vital role in promoting both the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence Program and the National because these are important initiatives that will help to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and national unity in Nigeria. By working together, these two initiatives will help to create a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians”.
The National coordinator, of the initiative, further, stated that the delay for proper kickoff of the programme, was due to change of guards in Government during and after the Nigerian National elections. “We are all aware that there has been a change in the government of the day and a series of new appointments were made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which included the official handover of office by the then DG NOA Dr. Garba Abari to Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu which took place barely a month ago. Our team has been on stand-by to work with the new administration.
Ms Ijeoma, noted that as part of the objectives of the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence, the programme, is a clarion call to promote November 16 as an annual National Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence Observance day in Nigeria, as well as promote awareness of national values and ethics which include discipline, integrity, dignity, of labour, social justice , religious tolerance and self reliance.
“I believe that the National Values charter will outline Nigeria’s core values , ethics and principles but at a broader range. Yes it will help to give more specific articulation of values and principles that Nigerians will aspire to uphold with the same goal of promoting tolerance and peaceful co-existence
“Nigeria is a diverse country with a present challenge of the fallout of intolerance which are communal clashes, boundary disputes, civil unrest ( damage of property and injury to people), incessant killings, random kidnappings, insurrection, vandalization of public and private property and cultism. Others are perceived threats, distrust among citizens and leaders, religious fanaticism, political upheavals, and negative social media influences”
She however, said that the UNESCO, is upbeat that both the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence Program and the National Values Charter are based on the belief that tolerance and peaceful coexistence are essential for the development of a harmonious and prosperous Nigerian society, with an emphasis that the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence Program aims to promote these values and principles when unveiled in the National Values charter through a variety of impact oriented activities, such as workshops, seminars, educational, cultural events among others.