Issa-Onilu Advocates Nigerian Stories by Nigerians

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the crucial need for indigenous creative artists to tell authentic Nigerian stories that highlight the nation’s positive developments, rather than the often one-sided negative portrayals commonly seen in Nigerian productions.

In a keynote address delivered on Tuesday, September 16, at the Women in Film and Television (WIFT) Conference held in Lagos, Issa-Onilu, represented by NOA’s South West Director Mrs. Funke Salako, urged creatives to root their work in Nigerian culture, history, and civic identity. He linked this call to the government’s ongoing policy thrust aimed at nationalizing cartoon content to gradually reduce the overwhelming influx of foreign cartoons and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Issa-Onilu explained, “The National Orientation Agency, charged with promoting national identity and values, has embraced this challenge with passion through our National Identity Project, steered by the National Values Charter. This Charter lays out a roadmap for rebuilding Nigerian identity through three key pillars: the Nigerian Promise, the Citizens’ Code, and Institutionalisation Policies. These pillars are designed to move Nigerian identity beyond theory into daily lived reality across homes, schools, and media.”

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He further invited the conference attendees, which included diplomats and film professionals from Nigeria, Africa, Canada, and the United States, to envision a transformative future where children grow up inspired by heroes who speak their languages, sing their songs, celebrate their festivals, and embody Nigerian values. According to Issa-Onilu, the nationalization of cartoon content will play a vital role in teaching children discipline, tolerance, and leadership in an engaging and culturally resonant manner, complementing what they learn in school.

The Women in Film and Television Conference is an annual gathering that brings together female creative professionals within Nigeria’s film and television industry to network, share ideas, and explore solutions for challenges facing the creative sector. The local chapter is led by veteran Nigerian film producer Joke Silva.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the federal government to nurture homegrown cultural content, fostering pride and a strong sense of national identity among younger generations while correcting distorted foreign narratives about Nigeria. The NOA’s commitment to this revitalization is expected to bolster both the creative industry and national cohesion.