By Usman Aliyu
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commenced a sensitisation campaign on government policies and programmes, national values reorientation, flood mitigation, the Nigerian identity project and national symbols, and security awareness in Edo.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday in Benin, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the agency said that the campaign was part of the agency’s constitutional mandate.
Issa-Onilu was represented by Mrs Rebecca Nasamu, Director of General Services of NOA.
Issa-Onilu said the mandate was to bridge the information gap between government and citizens, while promoting value-driven civic engagement across the country.
He explained that the areas of interest were carefully selected inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to ensure citizens were better informed and empowered to play active roles in governance.
“Key amongst our mandates is the responsibility to sensitise the public on government policies, programmes and activities,” Issa-Onilu said.
Highlighting recent initiatives, the director-general noted that the agency had modernised its communication channels to meet the demands of a youthful and digitally active population.
“We have reinvigorated our website, (www.noa.gov.ng), and deployed an artificial intelligence personnel which we call on our website.
“This, in addition to our presence on all social media platforms, has enabled us to meet the information needs of especially the younger generation,” he stated.
On education reforms, Issa-Onilu said the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had already disbursed more than N59 billion to more than 600,000 students in public tertiary institutions nationwide.
“The loan is fully digital, and tuition fees are paid directly to the schools on behalf of successful applicants,” he explained.
He also cited progress in social protection schemes, noting that more than 2 million households were currently enrolled under the Conditional Cash Transfer programme.
He said that trader money and farmer money schemes were also being reintroduced to support small businesses and farmers with interest-free loans.
On infrastructure, Issa-Onilu disclosed that renovation of 700 rural schools was underway across the country.
He added that N110 billion had been dedicated to the National Youth Investment Fund to support 150,000 youth entrepreneurs nationwide.
On security, the NOA boss underscored the urgency of citizen vigilance.
“The Chief of Defence Staff has directed the establishment of specialised units of the armed forces aimed at ensuring rapid response.
“More than 15,000 new security personnel have been deployed nationwide, but our call remains: if you see something, say something,” he emphasised.
He further noted that the campaign would reach millions of Nigerians through multiple platforms, including market rallies, town hall meetings, road shows, and advocacy visits.
Earlier in his remarks, the Edo Director of NOA, Mr Osahon Woghiren, assured that the state would fully align with the national campaign, especially on flood mitigation and value reorientation.
“On the issue of flood, many states in Nigeria have witnessed devastating effects in recent times, and Edo is not left out.
“We urge our people to heed the 90 per cent accurate predictions of NiMet and avoid careless dumping of waste in drainage systems,” he said.
Woghiren stressed the importance of reviving national values among students and young people.
“Over time, there has been an alarming decline in our value system, particularly among the youth.
“This campaign focuses on value reorientation against extreme graduation practices which do not align with our values,” he added.
Calling for collective action on security, he said security was local, calling on the good people of Edo and all residents in the state to cooperate with security agencies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)