The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army to promote national unity, foster patriotism and rebuild citizen’s trust in the country. 

The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this commitment while receiving the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Awal Etsu-Ndagi and his delegation during their courtesy visit to the agency's headquarters in Abuja. 

Mallam Issa-Onilu commended Major-General Etsu-Ndagi, who was appointed to his new position in late October, for acting promptly and reaching out to partner with the NOA and other civil organisations, describing it as a demonstration of strategic understanding of his department’s mandate.

Mallam Issa-Onilu noted that psychological disconnection from the Nigerian state remains a major challenge among some Nigerians, attributing this to years of national shortcomings and the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences by people who do not mean well for the country. 

He stressed that effective civil–military collaboration and professional communication are essential to rebuilding citizens’ trust and a sense of belonging in the country. 

He recalled past engagements between NOA and the Department of Civil–Military Affairs and highlighted the Agency’s role in communicating government policies and mobilising citizens towards unity and positive value orientation. 

He also emphasised the need for transparent, evidence-based communication to complement security operations.

In his remarks, Major General Etsu-Ndagi said the visit was to deepen collaboration with NOA. He expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and divisive narratives, particularly on social media, and pledged the Nigerian Army’s full support in working with NOA to promote unity, patriotism and national cohesion.

He conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustained cooperation with the National Orientation Agency for national stability and development.