By Saheed Ibrahim

Residents of Ondo State have been urged to embrace the National Values Charter, which highlights the “7-for-7” commitments—a framework of seven promises from the government to citizens and seven civic responsibilities expected from Nigerians.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) issued the call in Akure during a public sensitisation and awareness campaign on the National Values Charter and the National Anthem.

The agency also encouraged Ondo residents to turn out in large numbers for the gubernatorial election on 16 November.

Accompanied by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), WAI Brigade, Civil Defence, Police officers, and others, NOA officials moved through Akure, the state capital, distributing copies of the National Values Charter to residents.

The Charter outlines seven government promises, which include equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom, and meritocracy.

Citizens, in return, are expected to uphold discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability, environmental awareness, and resilience.

NOA also warned residents against vote trading and voter apathy, urging them to vote for candidates of their choice in the 16 November election.

Speaking with The Hope, NOA State Director Mr James Adekunle explained that the 7-for-7 commitments consist of “The Nigerian Promise,” in which the government pledges seven commitments to citizens, and the “Citizens’ Code,” which outlines seven civic responsibilities expected of Nigerians.

Highlighting the campaign’s purpose to restore national values and foster unity, he emphasised the national anthem’s role as a unifying symbol, encouraging citizens to embrace it as a fundamental part of their national identity.

Adekunle stressed the importance of fostering a collective spirit among Nigerians, urging all to work together in upholding the nation’s core values and aspirations.

With the Ondo State gubernatorial election approaching on 16 November, the NOA director called on residents to engage actively and peacefully in the election process.

“The Ondo State governorship election is coming up on the 16th of this month. We are out on the streets to tell the people that Ondo State citizens should all come out en masse and vote for candidates of their own choice, so that we can have very free, fair, credible, and violence-free elections.

“And we are glad the people have accepted us, and we can see that the reception is so wonderful,” the NOA Director told The Hope.