The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a crucial call for heightened vigilance and security consciousness among Nigerian citizens as the nation approaches the Christmas and New Year festivities. This appeal underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring safety and security across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The NOA’s Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the importance of citizens promptly reporting any suspicious activities or unfamiliar individuals within their communities to the relevant security agencies for immediate action. This proactive approach is considered essential to prevent and mitigate potential security threats during the festive period, which often witnesses increased activity and movement of people.
This call for vigilance forms part of a broader nationwide awareness campaign spearheaded by the NOA, focusing on the theme, “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values, and National Development.” The campaign addresses a range of critical issues, including security awareness, combating the get-rich-quick syndrome, promoting human rights, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, and educating the public about tax reforms. The NOA recognizes the interconnectedness of these issues and their impact on national development. By addressing these themes, the agency aims to foster a more informed, responsible, and engaged citizenry, contributing to a safer and more prosperous nation.
The NOA Director General, represented at the briefing in Lafia, Nasarawa State, by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Sule Haruna, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling security challenges across the nation. He highlighted several governmental initiatives aimed at bolstering security, including strengthening the security architecture, increasing funding for security agencies, and expanding community policing initiatives. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s recognition of the crucial role of collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security. The NOA’s appeal to citizens to report suspicious activities aligns with these efforts, empowering individuals to become active participants in safeguarding their communities.
The NOA’s awareness campaigns play a vital role in educating citizens about government policies and programmes, bridging the information gap and promoting active participation in national development. The agency’s efforts extend beyond mere information dissemination; they aim to foster a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and ethical values. By discouraging the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth and promoting ethical conduct, the NOA contributes to building a society founded on integrity and responsible citizenship. This focus on ethical values is crucial in combating corruption and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
The Nasarawa State Director of the NOA, Priscilla Gondoalour, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to keeping the state’s residents well-informed about federal government policies and programmes. This commitment underscores the NOA’s localized approach, ensuring that its messages reach citizens at the grassroots level. Gondoalour outlined a comprehensive strategy involving various engagement methods, including regular stakeholder meetings and town halls, visits to educational institutions at all levels, engagement with religious bodies and community development associations, road shows, and social media campaigns. This multi-pronged approach aims to maximize outreach and ensure effective communication with diverse segments of the population.
The NOA’s commitment to continuous engagement and dialogue with citizens is evident in its emphasis on interactive communication channels. By facilitating questions and answers sessions and providing platforms for citizens to contribute their input, the NOA fosters a sense of ownership and participation in nation-building. This participatory approach is crucial in ensuring that government policies and programmes resonate with the lived realities of citizens and address their needs effectively. The NOA’s efforts contribute to creating a more informed and engaged citizenry, actively contributing to national development through informed decision-making and active participation in civic processes. By addressing a range of critical issues and promoting ethical values, the NOA plays a crucial role in strengthening the fabric of Nigerian society and fostering a more secure and prosperous future for all.
