NOA flags off nationwide sensitisation campaign in Akwa Ibom

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday launched its nationwide sensitisation campaign in Akwa Ibom State, focusing on five thematic areas aimed at driving national rebirth and promoting collective responsibility in nation-building.

The sensitisation campaign in Akwa Ibom, flagged off with a press conference and an enlarged stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Uyo, is targeting value reorientation against extreme practices, flood mitigation, security awareness, promotion of government policies and programmes, as well as the restoration of respect for national identity and symbols.

Speaking on behalf of the NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the National Director of Community Safety, Awareness and Compliance, Barr. Tessy Nnalue said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She stressed that critical sectors such as security, education, agriculture, transportation, electricity, and digital literacy are receiving overdue attention.

Highlighting government efforts in the education sector, Nnalue noted that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) have already impacted millions of Nigerians.

“As we speak, about 600,000 students have been onboarded with over N59 billion disbursed, while more than 150,000 youths across the country have benefited from over N110 billion in business support,” she stated.

On environmental concerns, she lamented the recurring flooding across the country due to poor drainage and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

She disclosed that in 2024, the Federal Government released N3 billion to each state under the Presidential Flood Mitigation Programme for drainage clearance and relocation projects. She urged Nigerians to always pay attention to advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Nnalue also highlighted new security measures, including the formation of specialised units within the Armed Forces, deployment of drones, armoured vehicles, surveillance technologies, and the enlistment of 15,000 additional security personnel nationwide. These, she said, are being reinforced with town hall meetings, advocacy to traditional and religious leaders, and broader community engagement.

In his remarks, the South-South Zonal Director of NOA, Mr. Ibor Otu, underscored the importance of respecting national symbols such as the flag, anthem, naira, coat of arms, and the Nigerian international passport. According to him, “These symbols are more than just icons; they embody our nation’s history, spirit, and values. Treating them with dignity fosters pride, unity, and a deeper sense of belonging.”

The State Director of NOA, Akwa Ibom Directorate, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, drew attention to the rising trend of “sign-out” practices among graduating students. He described the culture as harmful, projecting Nigeria negatively abroad and straining family resources.

He urged schools, parents, and stakeholders to discourage the practice in the interest of national values and decency.

The event attracted a wide array of participants, including heads of media houses, traditional rulers, faith-based leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, government officials, and top education stakeholders.

The stakeholders resolved to collaborate with the NOA to ensure the campaign’s success in Akwa Ibom and beyond. They stressed that only collective effort can rebuild the nation’s moral fabric, strengthen security, mitigate disasters, and reinforce pride in Nigeria’s identity.

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