FG Targets 70% Indigenous Cartoons as NOA, NAWOJ Deepen Pre-Election Civic Drive

FG Targets 70% Indigenous Cartoons as NOA, NAWOJ Deepen Pre-Election Civic Drive

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja 

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has unveiled plans to boost local content production for children, targeting at least 70 per cent of cartoons consumed in the country to reflect indigenous culture and values, as it strengthens collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists ahead of the next general elections.

Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ, describing the engagement as both timely and strategic for national development and democratic consolidation.

Issa-Onilu said the push for culturally relevant children’s content forms part of broader efforts to reinforce national identity and values, especially among younger Nigerians increasingly influenced by foreign media.

“We are working towards ensuring that at least 70 per cent of cartoons watched by Nigerian children reflect our culture and values,” he said, noting that such initiatives are critical to shaping positive social norms from an early age.

He explained that effective nation-building requires sustained collaboration between institutions responsible for public communication and citizen engagement, pointing out that the agency, which evolved from the MAMSER framework, operates an extensive grassroots network with over 800 offices nationwide.

The NOA boss also highlighted the agency’s mandate in civic orientation and information management, while commending women journalists for their contributions to national development through ethical reporting and public service.

He stressed the urgency of deepening voter and civic education, particularly among young people, who make up a significant portion of the population.

“Emerging digital influences and foreign content are reshaping values, sometimes negatively. This makes structured civic engagement more critical than ever,” he said.

Issa-Onilu further revealed that the agency has developed a Nigerian Identity Project under the National Values Charter, built on a “seven-for-seven” framework outlining reciprocal responsibilities between government and citizens. He added that the Federal Executive Council has approved key measures, including the reintroduction of Citizenship Studies in schools at all levels.

On governance and inclusion, he called for a shift from quota-based approaches to tackling deeper structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership.

In her remarks, NAWOJ National President, Aishatu Ibrahim, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration in voter education, ethical journalism and the fight against misinformation ahead of the elections.

She proposed a joint initiative between NOA and NAWOJ that would include nationwide training workshops, community outreach targeting women and youth, development of civic education materials in local languages, and coordinated media campaigns to promote informed participation.

Also speaking, NAWOJ Board of Trustees member, Zubair Jide Atta, underscored the importance of national values and civic education, advocating stronger integration of media and information literacy into Nigeria’s educational system.

The meeting ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration in promoting civic responsibility, national values and inclusive governance as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.