The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federal Capital Territory Directorate, has called on residents to gain a deeper understanding of government initiatives.
The FCT Director of NOA, Mrs Acharu Opaluwa, made the call at a town hall meeting in Abuja.
Opaluwa said the meeting provided a platform for dialogue between government institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and residents of the FCT on issues of national concern.
She noted that the town hall focused on five key thematic areas: government policies, flood mitigation, security awareness, national values reorientation, and the Nigerian identity, values, and charter.
“There is a need for citizens to gain a deeper understanding of government initiatives, because collective awareness and alignment will strengthen governance and improve service delivery,” she said.
Opaluwa urged participants to listen attentively, ask questions, and take the knowledge back to their communities to help promote safer, stronger, and more inclusive societies.
Mrs Theresa Ezeh, Deputy Director and Head of CVDE at NOA-FCT, reiterated the importance of preserving national identity, respecting national symbols, and implementing the National Values Charter.
According to Ezeh, the Charter serves as a framework for promoting patriotism and responsible citizenship.
Speaking on behalf of schools, Mrs Cecilia Nwanko, representing the Principal of Area one Junior Secondary School, Garki, stressed the importance of instilling discipline and positive values in young people.
Nwanko emphasised the shared responsibility of schools, parents, and society in shaping the character of future leaders.
On the topic of flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, Zakari Abubakar, Head of the Abuja Operations Office at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stressed the importance of proactive measures.
He stated that early warning systems and sensitisation campaigns were vital to reduce the impact of floods and other natural disasters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that discussions also addressed the importance of community vigilance, intelligence sharing, and strong partnerships with security agencies to tackle insecurity within the FCT.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen public awareness, foster collaboration, and uphold shared responsibility in building peace, unity, and national development across the FCT.