Govt. Agencies Must Align With 21st Century Technology – Information Minister At NOA Retreat
…Commends NOA’s innovation with 21s Century needs
BY NGOZI NWANKWO, ABUJA – Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stressed the need for agencies of Government to embrace and adopt technology that rightly align with the needs of the 21st century.
Mohammed, who gave the charge at the Expanded Management Retreat of the National Orientation Agency in Abuja on Wednesday, September 12, 2024, noted that strategies that were effective yesterday may not necessarily fit into modern works’ application.
He particularly commended the NOA for embracing technology that is aligning with the needs of the 21 century, stressing that the agency remains the most essential tools for shaping national narratives and conversations, promoting unity and fostering a sense of inclusiveness and belonging in every part of the country.
Praising the agency for connecting the government with the grassroots, the Information Minister noted that since its establishment, the NOA has earned a reputation as one of the most grassroots-oriented public agencies in the country.
He further said; “The National Orientation Agency is at the forefront of that vital connection between the government and those at the grassroots.
“In fulfilling its mandate, the NOA has become one of the most important tools for shaping national narratives, promoting unity in the face of diversity, and fostering a sense of inclusiveness across the country.
“The NOA is now one of the most technology-compliant agencies in Nigeria, particularly in its use of digital tools. An example, provided by the Director-General himself, is the ‘Mobiliser’ app, as well as the well-received Artificial Intelligence platform for self-awareness engagements, among other initiatives,” he said.
Idris assured of the readiness of his ministry to commence the implementation of the National Values Charter in line with the President’s commitment to fostering moral, ethical, and cultural reawakening by instilling the right values, attitudes, and perspectives in the hearts and minds of all Nigerians.
The minister particularly commended the Director General, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, for adapting to the dynamics of public communication by leveraging technology to scale up public awareness and engagement with a feedback mechanism in keeping with the realities of the 21st century.
Idris noted that the expanded retreat was a step in the right direction which is envisioned to offer another opportunity to refine the vision as well as redouble the effort of NOA towards advancing on a journey that has unlimited the potentials to shape the future of Nigeria.
According to him; “The National Values Charter is one of the flagship initiatives of my ministry through the NOA and has been carefully crafted and designed to ensure that all Nigerians are fully aware of their rights and protections under the constitution and the laws of the land and that governments at all levels are equally aware of all the constitutionally-guaranteed obligations that they have to the citizenry”.
Earlier in his address, the Director-General of NOA, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the beats have changed thus the need for the dancing steps to adjust to the new rhythms.
He explained that his efforts aimed at revamping the agency’s structures and platforms, are necessary steps as a result of years of neglect.
Issa-Onilu said; “It is disheartening that such a vital institution was allowed to languish, but we are now on the path to rejuvenation.
“The demographic landscape of Nigeria has changed significantly since the MAMSER era, with 93% of the population now made up of youths under 45,” he said.
The NOA Director General said that the Agency has adjusted its strategies to effectively engage this younger demographic, which now dominates the new media landscape just as he acknowledged the vast difference in communication tools compared to 1991.
