NOA begins nationwide showcase of govt programmes
The National Orientation Agency has rolled out a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at creating awareness on key government programmes, disaster preparedness, public safety, and national values.
Director-General of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, unveiled the initiative during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement session on Wednesday in Lokoja. He was represented by Mrs Margaret Yenemi.
Issa-Onilu said the campaign would focus on five areas: government programmes, flood mitigation, national security awareness, values reorientation, and the Nigerian Identity Project.
According to him, the awareness drive would spotlight several government interventions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over N59bn to more than 600,000 students; the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme covering over two million households; and TraderMoni and FarmerMoni interest-free loans for small businesses.
The NOA boss also listed youth and infrastructure projects, such as the renovation of 700 rural schools under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund and N110bn earmarked for 150,000 youths under the National Youth Investment Fund.
On flood preparedness, Issa-Onilu said the Federal Government had released N3bn per state for drainage clearance and relocation of residents in flood-prone areas. He added that the Armed Forces had deployed drones, armoured vehicles and over 15,000 personnel nationwide as part of the national security drive.
He explained that the campaign would reach at least three million Nigerians per state through community engagement, stressing the importance of patriotism, respect for national symbols and the rejection of extreme practices that undermine Nigerian values.
Earlier, the NOA State Director in Kogi, Patrick Edogbanya, urged citizens to take personal responsibility for safety, remain security-conscious, and foster community unity.
Stakeholders at the event, including security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, NGOs, and youth groups, commended the initiative and pledged their support in driving the campaign across the country.
