Lanre Issa-Onilu Honoured as 2025’s Most Impactful Nigerian Patron at Nigeria Week London

Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has been recognised as the “Most Impactful Nigerian Patron of 2025” during this year’s Nigeria Week in London. The event took place on Saturday at the Hippodrome Theatre, Golders Green, and brought together members of the Nigerian diaspora, Nollywood personalities, representatives from Film London, Middlesex University, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

According to a statement released by the NOA on Sunday, the award was presented in acknowledgment of Issa-Onilu’s transformative leadership, dedication to institutional reform, and consistent advocacy for civic renewal both within Nigeria and among Nigerians abroad.

Delivering a keynote speech titled “Nigeria Must Rise to Lift Africa,” Issa-Onilu called on Nigerians everywhere to rekindle patriotism, uphold civic responsibility, and embrace a collective commitment to nation-building. He said that Nigeria’s role as a leader on the continent requires moral clarity and national unity.

“For Africa to thrive, Nigeria must stand tall and lead with purpose. We have a duty to rise to this challenge,” he said.

During the event, Issa-Onilu introduced the National Values Charter (NVC), which serves as NOA’s strategic blueprint for promoting national identity and cohesion. He also spotlighted new civic engagement tools developed by the agency, including CLHEEAN — the Civic Learning Hub for Empowerment, Engagement, and Nationhood — and The Mobiliser, a grassroots-focused community engagement initiative.

He also said that a CLHEEAN mobile app would be coming out soon. This app would give people instant access to civic education materials, national orientation content, and opportunities to get involved, no matter where they are.

Issa-Onilu also stressed how important it is to restore respect for national symbols like the flag, the anthem, the Naira, and the national pledge, which he saw as important ways to show Nigeria’s independence and cultural pride. He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to support NOA’s vision of crafting a renewed national identity and applauded the civic-oriented reforms being championed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the new student loan programme.

The event was concluded with a red carpet gala celebrating Nigerian outstanding achievements in different fields.

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