NOA cautions students against reckless sign-out celebration

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned tertiary institution students in the country to prioritise their safety and desist from reckless sign-out celebration.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director Generar (DG) of the agency made the call at the inauguration of nationwide enlightenment campaign on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The DG represented by Mrs Rhoda Istifanues-Sadus, Deputy Director Civil, Values, Democracy and Education at his office, said sign-out celebration had so far led to avoidable accidents and anti social activities that were not allowed in the schools and society.

He advised that the students should rather focus more on better academic performance, and good characters so as to leave behind memories they can be proud of in future.

Issa-Onilu emphasised that the agency has many mandates, among which are; promoting positive values and behaviors among young people, sensitising the public on government policies, programmes and activities.

He noted that values are essential for the country's development and urged students to be role models in their communities as well as good ambassadors of their various institutions.

He further explained that the Bola Tinubu-led administration had initiated so many laudable programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people especially the vulnerable groups.

The NOA DG listed some of the programmes to includes; Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Social Safety Nets Expansion, Renewed Hope Infrastructural Fund, National Youth Investment Fund among others.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund was established to ensure that no Nigerian qualified for admission into tertiary institution fail to go due to poverty.

"Already, over N59 billion was disbursed to over 600, 000 at various public institutions in country are benefiting from the scheme.

"Gone are the days that Nigerians cannot acquire education at the tertiary institutions, so those still complaining about lack of money should take advantage of this programme and empower themselves," he added.

The DG also urged Nigerians to respect the national symbols of the country and support the agency in reorienting those in the habit of abusing the flag, Naira and National anthem and pledge.

On his part, Mr Augustine Akwe-Doma, Nasarawa State Director of the agency said the agency would carry-out similar campaign in all the 13 Local Government Areas of the state to ensure that it gets to every community.

He added that they are partnering the state traditional council and would organised town hall meetings with other stakeholders on value reorientation.

He therefore, urged the public against extremism and respect the culture, traditional and religion of each other in the interest of peace and unity of the state and the country. (NAN)