The Directorate of State Services and the National Orientation Agency have renewed their partnership on crime control, public safety, drug abuse, and other social issues that militate against the peace and progress of the country.
During a courtesy call on the State Director of DSS in Ibadan on Thursday, the Oyo State Director of NOA, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, emphasized that the partnership became imperative to reduce the crime rate in the state.
She commended the DSS for their commendable role in mitigating crime in Oyo State, an exploit to which all indices have pointed.
The state Director stressed the need for the partnership to nip crimes in the bud using a grassroots sensitization approach.
She added that since both agencies are community-based, their collaboration will produce informal exchanges that will put a stop to crimes in the state.
Dr. Afolayan reiterated that the Agency’s target is to instill National Core Values in all Nigerians, starting from the youth age cohorts. This task has led to the introduction of Integrity clubs in 67 secondary schools and universities in the State to acquaint young ones with the ideals of growing up to be virtuous Nigerians.
The NOA state Director expressed concern about the escalating drug abuse among youths and sought collaboration to find a lasting solution to it.
In his response, John Macchim (Fsi), the Oyo State Director of Security Services, emphasized that DSS enjoys a good relationship with NOA, especially at the grassroots level where they are both present.
He welcomed the Director-led team of NOA, whom he called astute and performing, and pledged to further support their sensitization drive to make a maximum impact.
John Maxim also promised to work harmoniously with the Agency to end the ravaging drug abuse in the State, stating that it’s time to eradicate crimes in totality in Oyo State.
Other Deputy Directors notably present at the event were Dr. Oluwole Faluyi, As, Oyinlola, and P. Elisha.
Other people in attendance were the Deputy Director in charge of local government operations and special services, Prince Adesola Sanda, Mr. O. Akanbi, who is also a Deputy Director in charge of administration, and Alhaji Isiaka-Adeniyi, the head of media and publicity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the National Flag by the NOA team to their host. The Director of NOA said this symbolizes the patriotic roles both agencies are playing in nation-building.