The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Isaa-Onilu on Tuesday raised awareness campaign for Nigerian citizens to reject shortcut to wealth creation while advising them to embrace integrity, hardwork and opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for all. He also made sensitization awareness on the tax reform bills of the federal government, insecurity awareness and other issues central to our nation’s well-being, unity and development.
Mallam Isaa-Onilu, who was represented by the Director Health and Social Care from the NOA National Headquarters, Dr. Ayoola Olufemi, made this statement while addressing different media outfits in Oyo State during a press conference organized by the Oyo State Directorate, led by the Oyo NOA Director, Dr Olukemi Afolayan. He emphasized the need for citizens to desist from fraudulent practices such as internet fraud and financial crimes.
In his address, the NOA boss highlighted the five critical areas that deserve greater sensitization through the media partners to achieve a society that is healthy, secured, ethical and united in purpose. The areas of concern specifically mentioned include awareness campaigns in honor of World HIV/AIDS Day, Security Awareness, Shunning the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome, Celebration of World Human Rights Days and Tax Reform Policy enlightenment.
“The government recognizes that the erosion of our age long values and economic hardship often drives individuals towards unethical practices. To address this, government has implemented youth empowerment programs such as NSIP and skill acquisition initiatives. Government also supported small and medium enterprises through grants and loans to promote enterpreneurship” He stated.
Mallam Isaa-Onilu also mentioned that security remains a top priority for government as continued efforts are being made to address insecurity such as strengthening security architecture through equipment, training and increased funding; expansion of policing initiative; deployment of technology such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering to combat criminal activities. The government, however still requires the active support of citizens, who must report suspicious activities and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
On the issue of tax reform policy of the federal government, the NOA boss explained the importance of taxation for funding national development with high emphasis on the benefits of the reforms which include annulment of double taxation from different authorities for the same purpose; supports low income earners where they will now be eligible to pay little or no tax at all; aids transparency and accountability; and visible impact of taxes in the society such as improvement of schools, hospitals and infrastructure.
“Taxation is essential for funding national development, but we recognize that it has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues like multiple taxation and its impact of low income earners. To address these challenges, the government is implementing reforms to make the system fairer and less burdensome for citizens”. the NOA boss said.
The other critical issues on the nation’s well-being highlighted during the press conference include the efforts being made by relevant authorities as well as government support in raising awareness against HIV/AIDS. He stated that government has taken stringent measures to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.
Finally, in recognition of the World Human Rights Day, the government reminded the public that it remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian, while stating further that the recent efforts includes strengthening legal framework to address human rights violations like gender based violence and human trafficking. Government have also established support centers for survivors of abuse, promote constitutional awareness.
