The Federal Government has raised alarms over the growing influence of foreign cultures on Nigerian children, particularly due to their exposure to foreign cartoons. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Onilu, expressed these concerns during the launch of the National Anthem and National Value Charter campaign in Bauchi on Friday.
Speaking through the National Director, PRS (NOA), Nura Yusuf Kobi, Onilu emphasized that foreign cartoon content is shaping the behaviors and attitudes of Nigerian children in ways that stray from the country’s traditional values. To address this, he revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the introduction of locally produced cartoons aimed at promoting Nigerian culture and national values.
We are concerned that Nigerian children are increasingly adopting foreign behaviors learned from cartoons aired on platforms like GOtv and StarTimes. These will soon be replaced with local content that reflects our values and character,” Onilu stated.
Onilu further highlighted the broader impact of foreign influences on Nigeria’s image internationally. He noted that the country is often negatively associated with crime and corruption, a perception he says needs to be redefined.
Nigeria once had a clear identity during the leadership of figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Today, we struggle to define who we are as a nation,” Onilu lamented, pointing out the decline in moral standards where even acts of honesty are seen as extraordinary.
The NOA’s campaign aims to restore a positive national identity, promote integrity, and encourage Nigerians to proudly embrace their heritage both at home and abroad.
