ABUJA (PRECISE POST) — The Zambian government has expressed interest in studying Nigeria’s National Values Charter, the central framework of the proposed Nigerian Identity Project recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
This development followed a strategic meeting between the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and a delegation from the Zambian High Commission in Nigeria, led by Deputy High Commissioner Jenipher Mutembo, at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Issa-Onilu outlined the NOA’s extensive national presence with 818 offices spread across all 774 local government areas, describing it as “a vital communication channel between the government and the people.” He emphasized that the agency not only disseminates government policies and programmes but also gathers feedback from citizens to inform decision-making at both executive and legislative levels.
The NOA boss highlighted the agency’s mission to promote patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity, while also pointing to growing international interest in Nigeria’s model. He cited recent interactions with the Gambian High Commissioner in London as an example of emerging regional collaboration around civic education and national values.
Issa-Onilu further called for a broader understanding of leadership in Africa, one that includes civil, traditional, and moral leaders, beyond just political officeholders.
In her remarks, Deputy High Commissioner Mutembo commended the NOA’s grassroots structure, describing it as “a powerful model” that Zambia could learn from. She praised Nigeria’s commitment to national reorientation and civic education, noting shared African values and the crucial role of media in shaping public perceptions.
“Nigeria is the cultural giant of Africa, and Nollywood is one of your most powerful exports,” Mutembo said. “However, there is growing concern in Zambia about the recurring themes of rituals and superstitions in some productions. What we portray shapes national values and identity, especially for our youth.”
Mutembo proposed stronger technical cooperation between Zambia and Nigeria in areas such as civic education, grassroots mobilisation, and cultural diplomacy. She reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and adopting tested models that promote responsible citizenship and sustainable development.
She concluded that Nigeria’s investment in structured national orientation could serve as a valuable reference point for Zambia’s own national development agenda.
