By KosofePost Reporter
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to maintain faith in God and demonstrate patriotism in order to strengthen national unity and development.
Issa-Onilu made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja through the agency’s Deputy Director of Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of the festival and described Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of the importance of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and collective responsibility toward nation-building.
According to him, the values associated with the celebration—particularly sacrifice, discipline, and compassion—remain essential to addressing Nigeria’s present socio-economic and security challenges.
The NOA Director-General urged Muslims to emulate the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim through acts of kindness, charity, and support for vulnerable members of society during the festive period.
While acknowledging ongoing government efforts to tackle insecurity, Issa-Onilu advised citizens to avoid actions capable of threatening public peace and national unity.
He encouraged Nigerians to promote dialogue, tolerance, and responsible conduct before, during, and after the celebrations.
Issa-Onilu also appealed to traditional rulers, religious organisations, community leaders, and youth groups to support initiatives aimed at promoting civic responsibility, national values, and social harmony.
According to him, sustainable national development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and shared commitment to the country’s progress.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the National Orientation Agency to continuous public enlightenment campaigns focused on patriotism, active citizenship, and national cohesion.
The NOA boss wished Nigerian Muslims a peaceful and rewarding Eid-el-Kabir celebration and expressed optimism that the spirit of sacrifice and togetherness associated with the festival would inspire greater collective efforts toward national development.