The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting and partnering with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to promote Nigeria’s image and bring pride to the nation through football and other sports.
The Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the assurance when a delegation led by the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, paid a thank-you visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The NOA and NFF had earlier partnered to promote the National Identity Project during Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. As part of the initiative, the Agency distributed thousands of handheld flags, T-shirts, mufflers, and outdoor banners to supporters of the Nigerian team across various host cities.
Issa-Onilu described sports as a powerful tool for promoting national unity, integration, and global rebranding. He noted that football, in particular, provides a unique platform for Nigerians to connect and set aside their differences, thereby strengthening national cohesion. He added that the country’s successes in sports help unite citizens under a shared national spirit.
The NOA Director-General also disclosed that officials of the Agency attended the last AFCON tournament in Morocco with over 5,000 flags and banners to ensure Nigeria’s presence was visible in stadiums. According to him, the initiative boosted national pride, as many Nigerians and even foreign nationals, including Moroccans, were seen waving Nigerian flags during the matches.
He further revealed that the Agency had planned to distribute 5,000 flags to viewing centres across the country if the Super Eagles had reached the final, although this did not materialise.
Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau commended the NOA for its efforts in promoting Nigeria’s image during the tournament. He described the Agency’s support as invaluable, noting that the distribution of flags and other materials boosted the morale of players and officials, making them feel at home.
Gusau added that the NFF looks forward to similar support for the Super Falcons at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco in March this year.
In response, Issa-Onilu assured that the NOA is equally committed to supporting women’s football and will extend full backing to the Super Falcons during the competition.
At the end of the meeting, the NOA Director-General presented a plaque of the National Values Charter to the NFF President, who in return presented jerseys of the national teams to the Agency.
Other members of the NFF delegation included the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Chairman of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO), Mr Silas Ali Agara, the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, FIFA
Consultant, Mr Kadiri E.C., Chief Legal Officer, Queen Wutdeama Otarakpo and Head of Store, Tajudeen Tiamiyu.
