By; SÀDIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign in Borno State, f
By; SÀDIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign in Borno State, focusing on five critical thematic areas designed to strengthen citizen awareness, deepen trust in government, discipline and moral conduct among students, youths and cultural values as well as promotion of national unity and peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups and religions.
Speaking at the flag-off on Wednesday at Garba Abari Hall, NOA State Directorate Headquarters Maiduguri, Borno State, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-
Onilu, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), emphasized the Agency’s mandate to bridge the gap between government and citizens by ensuring Nigerians are well-informed and actively engaged in national development.
He added that the campaign will be implemented across the 36 States, the FCT, and 774 LGAs, with engagements including press conferences, town hall meetings,, school visitations, motor park and market rallies, advocacy visits to traditional/religious leaders, and roadshows.
According to him, the Five Thematic Areas of Focus include Government Policies, Programmes, and Activities such as NELFUND Student Loan Scheme with over 600,000 students already benefiting from the N59 billion already disbursed to the students .
Others include Safety Nets on Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) to over two million households, with Trader Moni and Farmer Moni interest-free loans being rolled out for 22389 and Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund where Renovation of 700 rural schools nationwide was carried out.
The programme also include National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF where N110 billion was dedicated to support 150,000 youths, SUPA Project (Industrial Training Fund for Upskilling and certification of
artisans nationwide, Flood Mitigation & Disaster Preparedness where Citizens are urged to heed NiMet’s early warning advisories with 90% accuracy.
While on reorientation on national programs and activities such as Presidential Flood Mitigation directive, he said N3 billion per State was released in 2024 for drainage clearance and relocation of vulnerable communities, and on National Security Awareness, Renewed Hope Security Architecture: deployed 15,000 new security personnel, drones, armoured vehicles, and surveillance technologies.
The DG noted that on nationwide awareness campaigns, over 3 million Nigerians per state are expected to be reached and on National Values Re-Orientation of Students & Youths Campaigns against extreme sign-out graduation practices.
Promotion of patriotism, responsibility, and positive values among Nigerian youths proud would be elevated and promoted
He explained further that on Nigerian Identity Project & National Symbol, public sensitization on the new National Anthem, Flag, Naira, and other national symbols would be sensitized through campaigns to strengthen unity, patriotism, and respect for national identity.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu however called for action urging citizens of Borno State and Nigeria at large to embrace the campaign, participate actively in the engagements, and serve as partners in building a stronger, united, and prosperous nation.
“Our campaigns are not just about information. They are about listening t to Nigerians, engaging them, and fostering a sense of ownership in government programmes and policies,” the DG said..
In his remarks, the State Director, NOA ,Borno State Directorate Headquarters Maiduguri, Michael Daniel Bdliya said ,”as we begin this campaign in all the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State.”
” The National Orientation Agency, in collaboration with the Borno State Government and critical stakeholders, has identified five thematic areas that will guide our engagements during this campaign.
“These activities will be carried out at the state and grassroots levels through press briefings, town- hall meetings, roadshows, school visits, market and motor park rallies, EFCO, ГАТИЗІЯ advocacy to traditional/religious leaders, radio programmes, and community dialogues,” Michael said
The State Director also disclosed that in line with the DG’s national mandate, Borno State Government through the Ministries of Education and Information, working with security agencies, CSOs, NGOs, NOA, DSS, NSCDC, CJTF, and the Public Complaints Commission actively in promoting discipline, safety, and learning in schools.
He added that Key action areas include Deployment of security personnel to primary and secondary schools at closing hours, Workshop trainings for teachers on values re-orientation and safety, Award of scholarships to deserving students construction of new mega schools and rehabilitation of existing ones.
While on National Campaign on Flood Mitigation, Flooding remains a major challenge, but Borno State Government has taken proactive steps through BOSEPA, SEMA, NEMA, NiMet, NSCDC, Police, Military, Fire Service, GGW, NGOs and NOA. Citizens are being engaged
through workshops, sensitization programmes, and community awareness.
Bdliya maintained also that nonthly environmental sanitation exercises, Radio jingles, enlightenment campaigns, and concurrent roadshows across LGAs.and Town-hall meetings are being held in the state in compliance with environmental laws and the dangers of non compliance.
He assured that on National Enlightenment on Government Policies, Programmes, and Activities, Borno citizens will be sensitized on critical government initiatives while addressing social vices that affect communities as already Borno State Government has set up a Joint Task Force to crack down on Drug abuse, Prostitution, Youth Festiveness, Phone Snatching, Gangsterism, Thuggery, and Robbery.
In addition,Michael Daniel said a new law has been introduced through the Agency for the Great Green Wall prohibiting indiscriminate tree cutting, supporting climate resilience while reiterating that this campaign is not only about passing information. “Iit is about listening to citizens, engaging communities, and ensuring everyone is a partner in building a stronger Nigeria”.
“I therefore, call on journalists, community leaders, traditional institutions, students, market women, civil servants, and indeed every citizen of Borno State to embrace this campaign.
“Let us work together to strengthen our values, mitigate disasters, safeguard our schools, secure our communities, and uphold the Nigerian identity with pride,” the State Director added.
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