Echoes from NOA’s Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on five (5) Thematics areas
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is currently carrying out a nationwide sensitization campaign focusing on five critical thematic areas aimed at promoting national unity, awareness, and development. These areas include:
National Values Reorientation: Targeted at students in secondary and tertiary institutions to curb extreme practices and promote moral values and character reorientation.
Flood Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness: Educating citizens on safety measures and government initiatives to mitigate flood risks and enhance disaster management.
National Security Awareness: Strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies, as well as encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities.
Government Policies, Programs, and Activities: Informing citizens about government initiatives, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, TraderMoni, and FarmerMoni interest-free loans.
Nigerian Identity Project and National Symbols: Promoting patriotism, respect for national symbols, and awareness of government programs and policies.
The campaign, led by NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, aims to reach over 3 million Nigerians per state through various outreach methods, including town hall meetings, advocacy visits, school visits, and media interactions. The agency is partnering with traditional leaders, security agencies, and civil society organizations to drive the campaign’s message across the country.
The agency has carried out some notable events and activities under this campaign and they include:
Advocacy visits to traditional rulers in Bauchi State to promote national unity and awareness. In a continued effort to promote national unity and awareness, Bauchi State Directorate, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, conducted advocacy visits to the Emir of Dass, HRH. Alhaji Othman Biliyaminu Othman II, and the District Head of Miri, Alhaji. Hussain Abubakar Othman, in their respective palaces. During the visits, Alhaji Nasiru Mahe, the state director of NOA Bauchi, highlighted the crucial roles that traditional rulers and religious leaders play in fostering national unity.
He urged them to amplify the message of the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, to their followers, thereby contributing to the creation of a Nigeria characterized by strong values, security, and unity.
The campaign employs various outreach methods such as press conferences, town hall meetings, advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders, school visits, motor park engagements, roadshow rallies, and media interactions.
Alhaji Nuru Yusuf Kobi elaborated on various government initiatives aimed at enhancing citizens’ welfare in education, security, and infrastructure development in alignment with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Town hall meetings in Zamfara State, engaging stakeholders from security agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations.
NOA Zamfara state Directorate Organized a Town Hall Meeting on the Nation wide enlightenment Campaign on the 5 thematic issues on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Maryam Multi Purpose Hall Hayin Buba Gusau.
The Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu was represented by Mr. John Bala Asate Director Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement.
The host State Director NOA Zamfara Mal. Aminu Ibrahim, other critical Stakeholders include: the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NIMC, Zamfara State Community Protection Guard, NURTW, Former NOA Zamfara State Director Hon. Samaila A. Muhammad Mafara, Nigeria Forest Security Service, representative of Commissioner of Education, District Head, Women Groups, CSO’s, Students & Youths.
Enlightenment campaigns in Ebonyi State, focusing on NELFUND and national values reorientation.
The Director-General of NOA, Alhaji Lanre Issa-Onilu, at a news conference in Abakaliki on Tuesday, said the Agency was prepared to advance campaign on the thematic areas to Ebonyi hinterlands and nation at large.
Issa-Onilu, represented by Mrs Blessings-Ngozi Oyem, NOA’s Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion noted that the campaigns became necessary as nation was about to transition into a microeconomy.
“In this five thematic areas of the campaign, our target is to reach out to no fewer than three million Nigerias per state through media engagement, markets and motor park rallies.
“We shall also be holding town hall meetings, advocacy visit to traditional and religious leaders to enlighten the citizens.
“In order to have access to NELFUND student loan. The loan is available to all qualified Nigerians, who are schooling in public tertiary institutions in the country.
“The applications are made online at the NELFUND website and tuition fees are paid directly to the school on behalf of the successful applicants. Over 600, 000 students have been onboard,” the D-G said.
In Sokoto the State Director of NOA, Alhaji Babangida kurfi called on people in the State to respect our National Symbols such as our Currency, National Flag and other National Symbols. He further said our Naira Note deserve to be handled with all the dignity and care, as a pride people like what happens in other countries of the world. He also appealed our Market Women’s, Agwagwa Riders, Motorcycle Riders and our Mechanics should handle our note with care, is sad to see how these categories of people defaced our notes. He also appealed to Sokoto State people to be Disciplined, Patriotic, Tolerate one another in their day to day interaction. Sokoto Seat of the Caliphate should be exemplary in showing accommodations to their neighbors
Also in Kebbi State the Emir of Argungu commended the NOA for its timely and sustained public engagement, noting that the agency’s efforts would significantly contribute to the reorientation of values needed to make Nigeria a great nation.
However, the Emir did not mince words about the underlying issues plaguing the country. He expressed deep concern that without a strengthened justice system, Nigeria’s challenges would persist. The Emir lamented how people brazenly disregard laws and regulations without facing consequences.
He highlighted a disturbing societal trend where individuals who should be condemned for their misdeeds are instead celebrated, a practice that he said undermines the very fabric of society.
”As traditional leaders, we will continue to do our best,” the Emir stated, “but deliberate action is needed to hold citizens accountable for their bad actions for our country to make progress.”
The Emir’s powerful statement serves as a potent reminder that while public enlightenment is essential, it must be coupled with accountability and the consistent application of the rule of law. The collaboration between the NOA and the Emir of Argungu signifies a united front in the fight for a more just and upright Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the NOA delegation, which included the Kebbi State Director, Mallam Mohammed Nasir Karofi, and other management staff, had expressed strong confidence in the ability of traditional rulers to guide their communities toward a positive value reorientation.
Core Reporters report that, the campaign’s core mandate is to reintroduce national moral values, promote character reorientation, and foster a sense of ownership in governance among citizens. By engaging with Nigerians and promoting awareness of government programs and policies, the NOA aims to build a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation
