Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), highlights the critical role that youth social orientation plays in resolving societal issues as she addresses the growing security challenges in Nigeria. He blames the current state of insecurity on the collapse of values and the erosion of cultural identities.
Issa-Onilu made these remarks during an event in Ilorin, Kwara State, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Royal News online publication and unveiling the book titled ‘Habibat Salman Said: The Diplomatic Administrator and a Princess of The Emirate.’ During his address, the Director-General emphasized the urgent need to guide the youth toward positive values as a crucial strategy to combat social vices.
Drawing attention to Nigeria’s demographic landscape, with approximately 72% of the population below the age of 35, Issa-Onilu stressed the necessity of providing proper orientation for the youth. He acknowledged the younger generation’s active involvement in various endeavors but underscored the lack of adequate guidance.
Issa-Onilu asserted that the onus is on the government, traditional institutions, community leaders, and clerics to shape Nigeria’s future by instilling necessary skills and values in the youth.
Identifying poverty, unemployment, lack of education, cultural norms, peer pressure, and societal influence as contributing factors to social vices among Nigerian youth, Issa-Onilu called for effective policies targeting unemployment reduction, skill training, and improved educational opportunities.
Despite the prevailing challenges, the Director-General expressed optimism, emphasizing that it is not too late to redirect the trajectory. He called on society to collectively assume responsibility for equipping the youth with the skills and values essential for success in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
