The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian youths to embrace a positive mindset and constructive values as key tools for promoting peacebuilding and national unity.

The Agency made this call through its Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during an interactive session at the National Social Impact Leaders Summit, held at the National Universities Commission Auditorium in Abuja. 

Issa-Onilu who was represented at the event by the Agency's Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mrs Blessing Oyem, emphasised the urgent need to re-orientate Nigerian youths toward positive values that foster nation-building, sustainable development and lasting peace.

He noted that, while young Nigerians continue to demonstrate remarkable energy, creativity, and capacity, these strengths are often underutilised. He stressed that these strengths must be effectively harnessed to drive meaningful progress and national transformation.

Issa-Onilu noted that the foundational values which once guided the youth and formed the backbone of our society have steadily eroded over time, stating that, for Nigeria to achieve sustainable development, these core values must be revived and instilled across all levels of society.

The Director-General emphasised the importance of leadership development, civic education, and inclusive governance, noting that empowering young people with the right skills, mentorship, and tools is essential to keeping them engaged and fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The DG acknowledged the importance of harnessing the digital space for national cohesion and progress, noting that the digital space plays a significant role in strengthening peace, reducing misinformation and fostering harmony among ethnic and religious groups, if properly used.

He warned that the digital space can also be hijacked for spreading misinformation and therefore called for vigilance, noting that the spread of misinformation poses a serious threat to national stability. He therefore urged young people to be discerning in their online engagements by relying only on verified, accurate, and credible sources of information.

The DG also emphasised the role of parents, noting that they have a vital responsibility in shaping the mindset of teenagers and youths by instilling positive values, fostering patriotism, and encouraging peaceful conduct within the society.

He did not leave all on the table of parents alone though, as he noted that nation building is a collective project. He emphasised that meaningful progress can only be achieved when government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, and grassroots groups work in synergy toward a common goal.

The DG urged all citizens to speak positively about Nigeria and actively reject negative narratives, stressing that safeguarding and promoting the nation's image both locally and globally is a collective responsibility we must all embrace.