The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has inaugurated a seven-member committee tasked with developing a national framework that will significantly expand the presence of Nigerian-produced cartoon content on broadcast platforms across the country.
The committee, made up of representatives from both the NOA and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), was unveiled on Tuesday as part of an effort to implement the Federal Executive Council’s 2024 directive requiring that 70 per cent of cartoons aired in Nigeria be locally created.
The policy aimed to strengthen cultural identity and reshape the media environment for young audiences.
Issa-Onilu, speaking during the inauguration ceremony, described the initiative as a corrective intervention in a media landscape long dominated by foreign animated content.
He warned that the overwhelming presence of imported cartoons has weakened children’s connection to Nigerian values, culture, and storytelling traditions.
According to him, the imbalance poses long-term cultural risks.
Emphasising the urgency of change, he invoked an African proverb: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter,” underscoring the need for Nigerian children to see themselves positively represented on screen.
The NOA Director-General linked the new directive to the broader Nigerian Identity Project, explaining that homegrown animations have the power to instill values such as honesty, discipline, unity, respect, and perseverance.
He said such content could inspire confidence in young viewers while reinforcing a deeper appreciation of their heritage.
Issa-Onilu urged members of the committee to carry out their mandate with transparency, professionalism, and strong personal commitment.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration with the NBC will produce a framework capable of transforming the nation’s content ecosystem into one that educates, inspires, and brings people together.
Representing the NBC, Stella Erhunmwunsee, Director of Broadcast Policy and Research, assured the public that the Commission would update the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to ensure full compliance with the new requirements.
She noted that the NBC would introduce public awareness campaigns, intensify content monitoring nationwide, and provide technical support to broadcasters seeking to meet the new standards.
The newly inaugurated committee included Nuhu Kobi, Mallam Bala Musa, Williams Dogo, Blessing Oyem, Sherifat Adegbesan, Stella Erhunmwunsee, Susan Obi, Pauline Ehusani
The NOA expressed optimism that the committee’s work would lay a lasting foundation for a new era of culturally relevant animation that captures Nigerian stories and values for generations to come.
