Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has been named “Most Impactful Nigerian Patron of 2025” at the Nigeria Week London.
In a statement on Sunday, the agency said the cultural and leadership showcase was held on Saturday at the Hippodrome Theatre, Golders Green.
The event convened Nigerians in the diaspora, Nollywood stars, representatives from Film London, Middlesex University, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Issa-Onilu received the award for his “visionary leadership, bold institutional reforms, and unwavering commitment to rebuilding civic consciousness across Nigeria and its diaspora”.
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In his keynote address, titled ‘Nigeria Must Rise to Lift Africa’, the NOA DG urged Nigerians, at home and abroad to embrace patriotism, civic discipline and shared responsibility.
He said this would reposition the country as a moral and leadership compass for the continent.
“Nigeria is the big brother of Africa. For the continent to move forward, Nigeria must rise up, take its place, and shoulder that responsibility,” Issa-Onilu said.
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Issa-Onilu also presented the national values charter (NVC) as NOA’s framework for rebuilding national identity and unity.
“The DG outlined NOA’s recent civic engagement tools, including: CLHEEAN – a Civic Learning Hub for Empowerment, Engagement And Nationhood; and The Mobiliser – a community activation tool designed to engage grassroots audiences,” the statement reads.
“He also announced the forthcoming launch of the CLHEEAN mobile app, which will give Nigerians everywhere access to real-time civic resources, orientation content, and engagement opportunities.
“Reclaiming National Symbols & Diaspora Partnership, Malam Onilu called for renewed respect for national symbols, such as the flag, anthem, Naira, and pledge, as expressions of sovereignty and pride.”
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He appealed to the diasporan community to collaborate with the agency in crafting a new national narrative and praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for civic-focused policies, including the student loan scheme.
Nigeria Week London 2025 also featured high-level panel discussions on diaspora collaboration and the creative industry, as well as a red carpet gala and awards night celebrating Nigerian excellence.
