Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to embrace a positive mindset and responsible communication as critical tools for national development and success.
He made the call while delivering a public lecture titled “Positive Mindset and Communication for Success” at the reunion of the University of Ife Muslim Graduates’ Association held at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Issa-Onilu commended the association for its enduring commitment to scholarship, moral development and nation-building, noting that Nigeria possesses enormous human and intellectual potential that can only be unlocked through the right attitude and constructive engagement.
He stressed that national progress depends not only on government policies but also on the mindset of citizens and the quality of conversations within society.
The NOA Director-General explained that having a positive mindset does not mean ignoring the country’s challenges, but responding to them with resilience, hope and solution-driven thinking.
According to him, negative attitudes and destructive narratives weaken national development, while optimism and constructive engagement inspire growth, innovation and social progress.
On communication, Issa-Onilu described it as a powerful instrument for building trust, shaping public perception and sustaining development.
He warned against the spread of misinformation, divisive narratives and careless use of communication, especially in the digital age.
The Director General added that people often respond not to what is intended, but to what they understand, making clarity, empathy and purpose essential in public discourse.
He also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation and value-driven initiatives in unlocking the nation’s potential.
The NOA boss praised discussions at the reunion, including the Investors Forum, for focusing on practical solutions and opportunities for empowerment.
Addressing young Nigerians, he urged them to use their voices responsibly and see themselves as active contributors to national development.
In his concluding remarks, the Director-General called on Nigerians to promote unity through responsible communication and adopt a mindset of hope, discipline and integrity.
He reiterated that success is built on intentional thinking, disciplined action and shared national values such as accountability, respect for the rule of law and patriotism, as promoted under the National Values Charter initiative of the NOA.
Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, members of the university management, the Muslim community, distinguished scholars, traditional rulers, alumni, students and guests for supporting the reunion.
He described the gathering as an important platform to reconnect, reflect and renew commitments to faith, excellence and service to humanity.
According to a communiqué signed by the National President of UNIFEMGA, Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, the university management acknowledged the association’s contributions towards the development of the institution.
The event was attended by the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Bello Adeniyi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of OAU, Adejare Bello.
As part of its welfare initiatives, UNIFEMGA presented 140 scholarships worth N14.6 million to students of Obafemi Awolowo University and disclosed that it had disbursed a total of N103.4 million to 1,148 students since the inception of the scheme in the 2009/2010 academic session.
The association also launched a N200 million endowment fund for widows and orphans of members, and called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to enhance research, innovation and sustainability.
It further urged government to improve electricity supply, infrastructure and human capital development, stressing that employment opportunities must be created to prevent unemployed youths from being exploited for violence.
UNIFEMGA concluded that a positive mindset remains fundamental to building a peaceful, productive and united nation.
