Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has taken its campaign for a better Nigeria to the classrooms, with students of Bethany Academy, Gombe, receiving a strong message on patriotism, discipline, and integrity as tools for nation-building.
Leading the charge was the Gombe State Director of the Agency, Adaline Waye Patari, who described the campaign as part of NOA’s Value Reorientation Programme, themed: “Building a Better Future Through Positive Values.”
She said the programme is designed to shape the hearts and minds of young Nigerians by instilling the values of patriotism, discipline, integrity, and self-respect, principles she described as the bedrock of any progressive society.
Mrs. Patari expressed concern over rising cases of exam malpractice, drug abuse, and the overall decline in moral direction among youths, stressing that the choices young people make today will define the Nigeria of tomorrow.
She, however, urged the students to show patriotism not just by words, but through daily actions such as obeying rules, respecting national symbols, and actively participating in community-building efforts.
The NOA Director challenged the students to embrace discipline and integrity as life principles, emphasizing that being disciplined means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, while integrity is about making your word count and staying honest at all times, even in exams.
On the dangers of drug abuse, she warned that substance addiction remains one of the fastest ways to destroy potential, encouraging students to say no to peer pressure and yes to purposeful living.
Mrs. Patari also enlightened students on the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, describing it as a lifeline introduced by the federal government to support students under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She explained the eligibility process, documentation, and how students can access the fund online to finance their education, urging them to prepare now for a future built on both values and opportunity.
In her speech, the school manager, Mrs. Benedicta Olaniyan represented by the principal, Mr. Olabisi Samuel commended the Agency for its impactful initiatives aimed at rekindling patriotism and effectively communicating government policies to the public.
She further noted that NOA’s school-based programs play a vital role in shaping students' character, preparing them to become responsible, patriotic leaders of tomorrow.
