As the festive season approaches, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a timely and resonant call to action, urging the youth of Akwa Ibom State to be the vanguard of peace and positive conduct. This appeal, made by the State Director, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, in Uyo, transcends a simple holiday reminder; it is a strategic plea for community stewardship during a period of heightened social activity and potential tension.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Mkpoutom emphasized that the Christmas and New Year celebrations present a unique opportunity—not for recklessness, but for reinforcing the social fabric. “The season offers us a moment to unwind and extend genuine goodwill,” he stated. “Let’s use this period to enjoy ourselves responsibly and support others. We must consciously avoid unlawful acts to ensure a peaceful season for all.”
The director’s message goes beyond mere caution. He reframes the festive period as a platform for active peace-building. “Let this year’s festive season be remembered for its kindness and responsible celebration, rather than for incidents of lawlessness and violence,” he urged. This perspective challenges the common narrative that associates holidays with increased crime, proposing instead that they can be a catalyst for communal harmony if approached with intentionality.
At the heart of this appeal is a call for reflection on the core meaning of Christmas. Mr. Mkpoutom connected civic responsibility to spiritual values, noting, “Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a figure who symbolises ultimate peace and goodwill. Reflecting on His teachings encourages us to practice compassion, forgiveness, and kindness in our daily interactions.” This connection provides a powerful, values-based foundation for the agency’s message, resonating with the deeply held beliefs of many in the community.
The NOA’s directive carries significant weight given the agency’s mandate to shape public opinion and promote national ethics. Their focus on youth is particularly strategic. Young people are often the primary drivers of both festive energy and, regrettably, social unrest during such periods. By empowering them as agents of peace, the NOA aims to create a multiplier effect where positive behaviors influence peer groups and ripple through neighborhoods.
Practical implementation of this call could involve youth-led initiatives such as organizing community carol events, volunteering for safety patrols, or championing substance abuse awareness campaigns. When young people are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding their communities’ joy, it fosters a profound sense of ownership and civic pride that endures long after the decorations are put away.
Ultimately, this message from the NOA is a reminder that peace is not a passive state but an active choice. As families gather and celebrations commence, the conduct of each individual, especially the energetic youth, becomes a building block for either a harmonious or a troubled society. The agency’s plea is clear: let the legacy of this festive season be one of unity, remembered for the bridges built and the goodwill shared, setting a positive tone for the new year ahead.
Report by Isaiah Eka for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Azubuike Okeh.
