Abuja: The National Orientation Agency (NOA), FCT Directorate, has called on residents to gain a deeper understanding of government initiatives. The FCT Director of NOA, Mrs. Acharu Opaluwa, made the call at a town hall meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Opaluwa highlighted that the meeting provided a platform for dialogue among government institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and residents of the FCT on issues of national significance. The discussions focused on five key thematic areas: government policies, flood mitigation, security awareness, national values reorientation, and the Nigerian identity, values, and charter.

Opaluwa stressed the importance of citizens gaining a deeper understanding of government initiatives, noting that collective awareness and alignment will strengthen governance and improve service delivery. She urged participants to engage actively and disseminate the acquired knowledge within their communities to promote safer, stronger, and more inclusive societies.

Mrs. Theresa Ezeh, Deputy Director and Head of CVDE at NOA-FCT, reiterated the importance of preserving national identity and respecting national symbols. Ezeh pointed out that the National Values Charter serves as a framework for promoting patriotism and responsible citizenship.

Representing the educational sector, Mrs. Cecilia Nwanko, on behalf of the Principal of Area One Junior Secondary School, Garki, emphasized the role of discipline and positive values in youth development. She highlighted the shared responsibility of schools, parents, and society in shaping the character of future leaders.

On flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, Zakari Abubakar, Head of the Abuja Operations Office at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stressed the need for proactive measures. He noted that early warning systems and sensitisation campaigns are crucial in reducing the impact of floods and other natural disasters.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that discussions also covered the importance of community vigilance, intelligence sharing, and strong partnerships with security agencies to address insecurity within the FCT. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to enhance public awareness, foster collaboration, and uphold shared responsibility in building peace, unity, and national development across the FCT.