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 was disclosed during the second meeting between officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), led by Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, and representatives of the Zambian High Commission in Nigeria, led by Deputy High Commissioner Jenipher Mutembo, at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, Director-General Issa-Onilu provided an overview of the Agency’s operational structure.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the National Orientation Agency. The Agency is one of the largest in Nigeria, with 818 offices across all 774 local government areas, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. We are deeply rooted at the grassroots level and remain a vital communication channel between the government and the people,” he said.
He explained that the NOA communicates government policies, programmes and projects to citizens and collates feedback from the grassroots to inform decision-making, noting that such feedback is regularly submitted to the relevant government institutions and the National Assembly.
The Director-General, who emphasised that the NOA promotes patriotism, civic responsibility and unity among Nigerians, also shared insights from a recent programme in the United Kingdom, where he met the Gambian High Commissioner in London. He highlighted the potential for broader African collaboration and expressed hope that Zambia might similarly engage in such partnerships.
He further commented on the narrow perception of leadership in Africa, which is often limited to political office holders instead of including civil, traditional and moral leaders who shape national values.
In her remarks, Mrs Jenipher Mutembo expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Director-General and his team, noting the institutional strength and nationwide reach of the NOA.
“I must commend your presence in all local government areas. This grassroots model is powerful, and we see its potential as a framework from which other African countries, including Zambia, can learn,” she said.
Mrs Mutembo applauded the Agency’s commitment to providing Zambia with an opportunity to observe, learn and possibly adopt aspects of the NOA’s operational methodology for national reorientation and civic education. She stressed the importance of shared African values, the influence of youth and the role of the media, particularly cultural perceptions exported through Nigeria’s creative industry.
“Our young people are watching these films. They are learning, forming ideas, and shaping perceptions, sometimes misinformed about success, morality, and identity. What we portray shapes national values and international image. As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that the content reaching the public inspires unity, innovation, dignity and pride in African heritage,” she said.
“Nigeria is the cultural giant of Africa, and Nollywood is one of your most powerful exports. However, as a sister country, I must respectfully mention that there is growing concern in Zambia, particularly among our youth, about the dominant themes of rituals, occultism, and superstition in many Nollywood productions.”
Highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation and South-South knowledge exchange, she proposed a more formal mechanism for technical collaboration between Zambia and Nigeria in areas such as civic education, grassroots mobilisation, cultural diplomacy and media content development.
She reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and praised NOA’s strategic leadership, noting that Nigeria’s investment in structured national orientation could serve as a reference point for Zambia’s own national development strategies, particularly in promoting public participation in governance and responsible citizenship.