The National Orientation Agency (NOA) public enlightenment and campaign against the get-rich-quick syndrome and other negative behaviours by some Nigerians arrived in Jigawa State, calling on the people, particularly the youth, to shun shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity and hard work.
The campaign train, led by the Director-General (DG) of the agency, Mr Lanre Issa, while addressing the press at the Federal Secretariat in Dutse, the state capital, said the agency had observed with dismay a situation where the youth and other citizens of the country, capitalising on the present hardship, are deceiving people to find a way out.
The Director-General, represented by Mr. Williams Dogo, the Director of Legal Services at NOA’s Headquarters, stated that the campaign also includes security awareness and tax reform, calling on citizens to join hands in creating a healthy, secure, and ethical society.
Mr Lanre Issa noted that the agency had embarked on a nationwide public enlightenment campaign against the get-rich-quick syndrome, security awareness, and tax reform.
Issa, who emphasised that security remains a top priority for the government, stressed that while many efforts are being made by the government, citizens’ support is also vital in the fight against crime and criminality.
He added that the campaign aims to educate citizens on the dangers associated with the get-rich-quick syndrome, the government’s efforts to strengthen human rights, and demystify the negative perceptions surrounding the new tax reform bill.
The DG maintained that the tendency to resort to criminal ways of acquiring wealth is frowned upon by the government, warning that fraudulent practices, including internet fraud, have been criminalised.
According to him, the government, in a bid to address the erosion of values and economic hardship, has implemented youth empowerment programs and skill acquisition initiatives.
“The government has strengthened the security architecture with better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.”
“However, the efforts of the government require the active support of citizens, who must report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“Also, as we commemorate World Human Rights Day, the government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian,” Issa said.
On the new tax reforms, the DG said the reforms are designed to ease the burden on hard-working Nigerians while ensuring that everyone contributes fairly. “By supporting this effort, we can create a tax system that works for all and funds the development projects that will improve our nation,” the DG said.
He, therefore, urged traditional, religious, and educational institutions, the media, as well as civil society organisations, to amplify the message of the campaign and extend their reach.
On his part, the Jigawa Directorate of the agency (NOA) has encouraged Nigerians to make the most of the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life more meaningful for citizens.
The state’s director added, “The agency has observed with dismay a situation where the youths and other citizens of the country are using the present predicament of hardship facing the country and capitalising on it to deceive people in order to find a way out.”
Alhaji Tijjani stated further, “In trying to get out of the situation, they deceive people and commit all sorts of crimes trying to get rich quickly by all means. So, the agency felt deeply concerned, hence the campaign against the get-rich-quick syndrome.
“So, NOA is trying to address this throughout the country, targeting youths and other stakeholders to educate them to do things the right way and shun all methods that can give them shortcuts to becoming rich, which are obviously dubious,” Tijjani said.
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