The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to officers of the National Orientation Agency across 774 local government areas nationwide to restore consciousness of nationhood.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday shortly after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Idris said the move was necessary because the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down in the country.

“The national orientation agency has offices in the 774 LGAs…not all the people that will man these local government offices are there, but we are rebuilding that. We are going to put officers of the NOA around all the 774 LGAs,” he said.

He also stated that the FG will not deny Nigerians their freedom of expression despite the proliferation of fake news on social media.

“Mr. President has given me a marching order to see that Nigerians believe in this country once again. We’re coming up with a national discourse on orientation or reorientation. So that Nigerians can believe in their country.

“People don’t even believe in leaders that they themselves have elected. Flags are not flying anymore. You go to government offices, you don’t even see the symbol of our collective existence, flying even in public buildings.

“We’re bringing back this concept of discipline that Nigerians should have. Patriotism. Belief in the nationhood that our founding fathers have given us. National orientation is going to be at the center of it,” the minister said.

However, the FG is also looking at suggestions by the Nigerian Press Council to set up a registration scheme for journalists but is wary of concerns about gagging the media.

Idris also said the FG is working on a roadmap to improve the welfare of members of the Nigerian press.