By Chimezie Godfrey
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has conferred the Civic Responsibility Award to the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in appreciation of his patriotism and support to the Agency in discharging its mandate.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Abari made the presentation at the Minister’s office on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Aregbesola exemplified a new generation of leaders who in their lives and responsibility, demonstrate true sense of unity, patriotism and dedication that are the true value of our country.
‘The Civic Responsibility Award was instituted eight years ago by the Agency to promote demonstrable positive spirit that showcase the Nigerian of excellence, patriotism, hardwork, and integrity which constitute the core values of our nation.
“Aregbesola will follow the Minister of Works, Tunde Fashola, who as governor stopped a military officer taking the one-way lane as well as Idris Hudu and Josephine Ugwu, who were recognised for returning huge sums of money forgotten by their owners in their places of business,” he said.
Dr. Abari also praised the minister for his interest in the operation of the Agency by offering guidance, solution and ideas that have proved useful in message communications issued by the Agency as part of its campaign over the years.
The Minister who was elated by the honour thanked the DG and the Agency for recognising the work the Ministry of Interior is doing saying the award will spur them to do even more.
Aregbesola praised the Agency for doing so much despite the difficulty of funding, underscoring the importance of commitment and dedication to nation building.
He listed two important criteria for national development to include productivity and character, which leave a huge responsibility on the NOA to continue to push for character building and reformation among the citizens of the country.
The Minister said Nigeria is pivotal in raising the status of Africa from underdevelopment to strong nationhood. The brief ceremony was witnessed by the Comptroller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS, Jafaru Ahmed.
