The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has underscored the critical role of strengthening online media in Nigeria’s national development, while calling for greater responsibility, accuracy, and ethical conduct across the country’s digital space.
Issa-Onilu made the remarks in a goodwill message delivered at the 2025 Investiture, Public Lecture & Awards of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), held on Tuesday at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja. He was represented by the NOA Director of Media and Communications, Alhaji Bala Musa.
Represented by the NOA Director of Media and Communications, Alhaji Bala Musa, Issa-Onilu commended ACOE for shaping national conversations and raising the standards of digital journalism, noting that the theme of the event, “Strengthening Corporate Online Media for National Development,” is both timely and essential in an era where digital platforms shape public opinion and drive civic engagement.
He described digital media as “the heartbeat of public communication,” stressing that it has become the primary platform where narratives are formed and citizens interact with national issues.
The NOA DG urged online media practitioners to uphold accuracy, integrity, balance and responsibility in their reportage.
Highlighting the Federal Government’s National Values Charter—approved in September 2024—as a framework for encouraging ethical conduct and responsible digital behaviour, Issa-Onilu disclosed that NOA is strengthening its communication infrastructure and producing improved public explainer materials to enhance clarity, transparency, and trust in government information.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to partnering with credible online media organisations, including ACOE, to combat misinformation and boost editorial standards across Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem.
Issa-Onilu congratulated ACOE’s leadership, organisers, awardees and members, urging them to continue championing truth, unity, and national values in the digital space.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the ACOE Exceptional Leadership Award to Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu in recognition of his contributions to responsible public communication, national orientation and media ethics. The award was received on his behalf by Alhaji Bala Musa.
