FG approves National Citizens Value Brigade for schools, launch set for October

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has given the green light for the establishment of the National Citizens Value Brigade (NCVB) in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria, with the program set to commence in October 2024.

The initiative aims to instill critical national values in students, shaping them into role models and ambassadors for the principles the country seeks to uphold.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement on Monday while addressing State House correspondents after the Executive Council meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Idris explained that the Council had approved several policy reforms within the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, with a strong focus on reinforcing the nation’s value system.

A cornerstone of these reforms is the introduction of the NCVB in schools nationwide, designed to address the alarming decline in moral values, particularly among the youth.

The Minister noted that the program would emphasize the importance of national pride, discipline, and respect for Nigeria’s cultural heritage, thereby countering rising incidents of misconduct and behaviors that contradict the country’s traditions.

“Today, the Council has approved several policy changes aimed at strengthening our national value system. Chief among them is the establishment of the National Citizens Value Brigade in all our primary and secondary schools,” the Minister said.

“This initiative will cultivate a new generation of role model citizens. The Council has observed a gradual erosion of values, especially among the younger population, which is contributing to acts of misbehavior that are not aligned with our traditions and norms.”

Idris stressed the urgency of this program, noting the need to reverse the downward trend in values and return to the core principles that have historically defined Nigerian society.

He expressed confidence that by instilling these values at an early age, the NCVB will create a positive shift in the behavior and attitudes of young Nigerians.