IN our previous interesting editions, we discussed the Citizens expectations from the Nigerian State ( Nigerian Commitments) and the expectation from the Citizens (Citizens Code). When all relevant stakeholders sincerely carry out its functions and responsibilities with patriotism growth and development of the nation is assured.
In carrying everyone along in this project of making Nigeria great in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government, the NOA DG and his management has embarked on the enlightenment and sensitization tour of all the states of the federation to meet with all the relevant stakeholders especially the traditional rulers to whom the challenges of keeping and holding firm our good cultures and ethics are bestowed.
It is a known fact that no one can give what he/she doesn’t have hence the wisdom of the DG to embark on the sensitization without assuming that everyone is on the same page on the project is apt.
Let us now journey with the DG and his management on the advocacy visits to some of the states on the National Values Charter’s familiarization tour of the first ten states already visited. Those visited include of course the state governors, the traditional rulers and the relevant stakeholders.
Benue State
Recently, the DG of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to Benue State, where he visited the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and the traditional ruler, respectively. His purpose of visits is to raise awareness of the activities of NOA and his agenda to be initiated under his watch.
Visit To Ter Makurdi Palace
The Director General of the NOA paid an advocacy visit to the Ter Makurdi, where he solicited the sustained support of the traditional stool in executing the programmes and activities of the agency.
He stated that NOA seeks the support of the monarch to help in the successful implementation of the plans and policies of governments at the federal, state and local government levels, which would benefit the citizens the most.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu presented the National Values Charter and National Flag to the Ter Makurdi to mark the memorable visit.
The Ter Makurdi appreciates the visit of the DG and pledged that the traditional institution would continue to support NOA on the task of orienting the people and promoting the national values now captured in the National Values Charter.
Courtesy And Advocacy Visit To The Governor
During his advocacy visit to the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, the D.G. speaks on plans to launch the National Values Charter, which entails the promise of the country to the citizens and by the citizens to the country.
He further intimated the state Government on plans to soon recruit 1000 volunteers per each of the 774 LGAs across the country, that is, plan to establish a Citizens Volunteer Brigade that would replace the WAI-Brigade.
He solicited for greater partnership between the State Government and the Agency in the implementation of programmes of the government.
The Benue state deputy governor, Barrister Sam Ode received the DG on behalf of the State Governor. He stated that the federal government has again put a square peg in a square hole by appointing Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, a communication guru of high repute as the new DG of NOA.
He pledged sustainable support to the state government. The courtesy & advocacy visit by the DG to the Benue state Governor also features the presentation of the National Values Charter and national flag to the state governor by the DG.
Below are pictures of the activities:
This report was compiled by the Benue Directorate under the leadership of the State Director, Mr Bitrus Idoko.
Comments and Contributions to improve the presentations to the understanding of all Nigerians are welcomed.
Contact: Sulaiman Habibat Bimbola
Bimbola Sulaiman, a trained journalist and broadcaster, is a staff of National Orientation Agency (NOA), office of the Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Her column ‘NOA ON THE MOVE’, a sponsored partnership with News Point Nigeria, appears on this platform on Thursdays. She can be reached on bimbolasulaiman@gmail.com. Twitter: @bimssulaiman, Instagram: bimbolasulaiman, Linkedln: @ Bimbola Sulaiman