Abuja: Zambia has formally expressed interest in adopting Nigeria’s National Values Charter model, as officials from both countries advance plans for deeper collaboration in civic education, national reorientation, and cultural diplomacy. This development emerged during a meeting between officials of Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency (NOA) and representatives from the Zambian High Commission.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the meeting took place at the NOA headquarters in Abuja, with Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu leading the discussions on behalf of the agency. He provided an overview of the agency’s operational structure, emphasizing its extensive reach across Nigeria through 818 offices, which serve as vital communication channels between the government and the citizens.
Director-General Issa-Onilu highlighted the NOA’s role in communicating government policies and gathering grassroots feedback to inform decision-making. He also discussed the agency’s efforts to promote patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians. He shared insights from a recent engagement in the United Kingdom, where he met the Gambian High Commissioner in London, suggesting potential for broader African collaboration.
Deputy High Commissioner Jenipher Mutembo, who led the Zambian delegation, expressed her appreciation for the NOA’s hospitality and its nationwide reach. She commended the agency’s grassroots model and expressed interest in learning from its operational methodology for Zambia’s national reorientation and civic education efforts.
Mrs. Mutembo emphasized the importance of shared African values, the influence of youth, and the role of media, particularly the cultural perceptions shaped by Nigeria’s creative industry. She raised concerns about the content in Nollywood productions, urging for content that inspires unity, innovation, dignity, and pride in African heritage.
She proposed a formal mechanism for technical collaboration between Zambia and Nigeria in areas like civic education, grassroots mobilization, cultural diplomacy, and media content development. Reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, Mrs. Mutembo praised NOA’s strategic leadership and noted that Nigeria’s structured national orientation could serve as a reference point for Zambia’s national development strategies.