Zambian Govt to Adopt Nigeria National Values Charter-Core Reporters Report
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Zambian government has indicated interest in learning from Nigeria’s National Values Charter, a key component of the proposed Nigerian Identity Project. This interest was expressed during a meeting between officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Zambian High Commission in Nigeria.
NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, while addressing the team from the Zambian High Commission highlighted the agency’s extensive reach, with 818 offices across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized NOA’s role in communicating government policies and promoting patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians.
The DG, who said the NOA promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians, also shared his experience at a recent programme in the United Kingdom, where he met the Gambian High Commissioner in London, whose took interest in the work of the NOA, indicating potentials for broader African collaboration. He expressed hope that Zambia might similarly engage in such partnerships.
Speaking further, he also commented on the narrow perception of leadership in Africa, typically limited to political figures, instead of encompassing civil, traditional, and moral leaders as influencers of national values.
On her part, Zambian Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Jenipher Mutembo, praised NOA’s grassroots model and expressed interest in adopting aspects of its operational methodology for national reorientation and civic education. She highlighted the importance of promoting shared African values, youth influence, and responsible media content.
Mrs Mutembo said, “I must commend your presence in all local government areas. This grassroots model is powerful, and we see its potential as a framework other African countries, Zambia included, can learn from.
“Our young people are watching these films. They are learning, forming ideas, and creating perceptions, sometimes misinformed, about success, morality, and identity. What we portray shapes national values and international image. As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that the content reaching the public inspires unity, innovation, dignity, and pride in African heritage.
“Nigeria is the cultural giant of Africa, and Nollywood is one of your most powerful exports. However, as a sister country, I must mention, with respect, that there is growing concern in Zambia, particularly among our youth, about the dominant themes of rituals, occultism, and superstitions in many Nollywood productions,” she stated.
