The National Orientation Agency introduced its National Values Charter at LIFANIMA, encouraging Nigerian youth to embrace local culture through animation.

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a vibrant effort to instil national pride and values in Nigeria’s younger generations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), led by Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, brought its new National Values Charter to the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA).

Addressing over 120 children during the festival’s Kids’ Fun Day at Animation Park, Issa-Onilu urged the young audience to embrace positive habits and strive to be exemplary citizens, paving the way for a promising future.

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As the children impressed the crowd with their flawless rendition of all three stanzas of Nigeria’s national anthem, Issa-Onilu, visibly moved by their enthusiasm, expressed confidence in the nation’s youth.

“Our future is secure with children like these,” he remarked, emphasising the crucial role of youth in safeguarding and promoting Nigerian values.

Later in the day, at the festival’s Animation Awards, Issa-Onilu detailed the agency’s recent initiative, the National Values Charter, and highlighted the government’s Nationalisation of Cartoon Content policy.

This policy aims to reduce the overwhelming influence of foreign cartoons on Nigerian youth, which he believes contributes to a disconnection from Nigeria’s core cultural values.

By promoting Nigerian-themed animations, Issa-Onilu hopes to prevent a generation from becoming culturally detached “foreigners in their own land.”

Recognising animation as a dynamic communication tool, Issa-Onilu highlighted its effectiveness in engaging Nigeria’s predominantly young population, who make up more than 75 percent of the country’s demographics.

He noted that the agency is committed to collaborating with local animators, inviting them to take advantage of government funding dedicated to communication initiatives across various ministries and agencies.

This collaboration, he noted, not only enriches national content but also offers substantial business opportunities for Nigerian animators.

LIFANIMA’s founder and festival director, Mr. Muyiwa Kayode, in his opening remarks, celebrated the growth of Nigerian animation.

The festival, he explained, was established in 2016 following the success of his animation series, “Turtle Taido,” which premiered on Nigerian television in 2015 as the country’s first animated children’s series.

The series has since inspired the Turtle Taido Game Show, currently airing its sixth season, further showcasing Nigerian storytelling and culture.

Now recognised as Nigeria’s premier animation film festival and one of the top three on the African continent, LIFANIMA’s 2024 edition attracted 1,106 submissions from 111 countries, including 26 African nations.

Through the festival, Nigerian animators gain global exposure while promoting the NOA’s vision of fostering a strong sense of Nigerian identity among the youth.

As LIFANIMA continues to grow, the partnership with the National Orientation Agency exemplifies how media and culture can be harnessed to instil national pride and values in the next generation.

The agency’s active participation in the festival serves as a reminder of the role of animation in preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.