The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian children to remain committed to learning, discipline, patriotism, and moral excellence as they prepare to become the country’s future leaders.
The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the advice in a statement while congratulating Nigerian children on the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
According to the statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the agency’s Deputy Director of Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, the NOA boss described Nigerian children as the hope, strength, and future of the nation.
“Children’s Day serves as an important reminder of the collective responsibility of government, parents, teachers, religious institutions, and the wider society to protect the rights, welfare, and future of every Nigerian child.
“The future of our nation depends greatly on the values, education, and opportunities we provide for our children today.
“Every child deserves access to quality education, safety, healthcare, guidance, and a conducive environment to grow into responsible citizens,” the NOA chief said.
Issa-Onilu encouraged children to avoid negative social influences, crime, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and all forms of violence, while urging them to embrace integrity, hard work, creativity, and national unity.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting civic values, national consciousness, and responsible citizenship through continuous public enlightenment programmes targeted at young Nigerians in schools and communities across the country.
The DG also commended parents, teachers, caregivers, and development partners for their sacrifices and contributions toward nurturing children despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
“As we celebrate our children today, let us all renew our commitment to building a Nigeria where every child can dream, thrive, and succeed regardless of background, ethnicity, or religion,” the NOA DG said.
