Abuja: The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a warning to journalists regarding the use of careless or sensational headlines that have the potential to incite conflict and unrest within the country. The Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, delivered this cautionary message during the 2025 Press Week at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Headquarters Chapel in Abuja. During his keynote lecture, Issa-Onilu addressed the theme, 'The Place of the Media in Shaping and Sustaining National Values,' emphasizing the critical role of the media in fostering and maintaining national unity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Issa-Onilu highlighted that every word published, headline crafted, and image broadcasted contributes to the making of history. He underscored that careless headlines can provoke conflict, ignite unrest, and diminish trust in institutions, whereas responsible reporting can bolster democracy and inspire future generations. The NOA Director-General praised NAN for its consistent professionalism, describing the agency as a significant pillar of truth in Nigeria's media landscape. He acknowledged the historical role played by the Nigerian media, especially NAN, in national development, from the fight for independence to the promotion of democracy.
Issa-Onilu also called for the media to take up the challenge of shaping values that unite rather than divide the nation. He posed a poignant question about the impact of consistently negative headlines on the national identity and sense of belonging among young Nigerians. Highlighting the dual role of the media as both a mirror and a compass, he emphasized its capacity to both reflect and direct societal values.
The occasion also provided a platform for Issa-Onilu to discuss the ongoing Nigerian Identity Project by NOA, which aims to incorporate civic education and national values into school curricula at all levels. This initiative is anchored on a National Values Charter, which focuses on seven core pillars, including patriotism, accountability, unity, social justice, and respect for diversity. He called for stronger collaboration between NOA, NAN, and other media organizations to promote these values and reshape public perception of Nigeria.
He urged journalists to truthfully report Nigeria's challenges while also celebrating the nation's achievements and resilience. Issa-Onilu encouraged holding leaders accountable without succumbing to cynicism, and to spotlight Nigeria's innovators and citizens who exemplify the nation's best qualities. He reaffirmed NOA's commitment to working with the media to promote national cohesion, unity, and democratic values, urging a collaborative effort to craft a narrative of Nigeria that future generations will be proud to inherit.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the maiden event is supported by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NAN Multipurpose Staff Cooperative Society, United World Congress, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, among others.