Bauchi, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced plans to replace foreign cartoons with Nigerian content that promotes national values and cultural identity. This decision, aimed at curbing the increasing influence of “foreign attitudes” among Nigerian children, was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Onilu, during a campaign launch in Bauchi on Friday.
Onilu, represented by Nura Yusuf Kobi, the National Director of PRS (NOA), expressed concerns about the negative impact of foreign cartoons on the behavioral development of Nigerian children. He stated that these foreign influences have contributed to the loss of traditional Nigerian values in younger generations.
“The president has approved the replacement of foreign cartoons with local content that will instill our national values and culture,” Onilu said. He pointed out that Nigerian channels like GOtv and StarTimes would soon feature local cartoons in place of foreign ones.
Onilu also emphasized the need to redefine Nigeria’s global image, which has been marred by negative perceptions due to issues like banditry, terrorism, and fraud. He called for a return to the values that once defined Nigeria during the leadership of figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
“We must work to restore our identity and ensure Nigerians are known for their honesty, integrity, and positive attributes, both at home and abroad,” he added.
The NOA campaign will extend across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas, with a focus on promoting the National Anthem and the National Value Charter. The Bauchi State Coordinator of NOA, Mrs. Theresa Omaga, confirmed that the initiative would be rolled out simultaneously at both state and local levels to ensure widespread participation.
