HELLO everyone and welcome to another edition of NOA ON THE MOVE.
Our previous journey was to Oyo State, and we will be moving our train from Oyo State to Kano State for another exciting journey of the National Orientation Agency’s Director-General and his team to the State NOA directorate. This episode will showcase the memorable events that took place at the Amani Event Centre, Bristol Hotel, NOA State Headquarters and Government House.
So, let’s journey together.
Strengthening Government Communication And Engagement – NOA’s Initiative In Kano
In a bid to foster unity of purpose and promote transparent communication between the government and the Nigerian populace, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation recently organized series of impactful events in Kano. These events, including an Iftar and interactive session with media executives, the launch of the innovative MOBILISER app, and a town hall meeting with the business community was to underscore the government’s commitment to amplifying its policies and activities to citizens while reorienting them towards shared national values.
The Iftar and interactive session served as a platform for government officials to engage with media executives, surrogates, and social media influencers. The gathering was aimed to enlighten participants on the government’s performance, activities, and the crucial role of media in disseminating accurate information to the public.Prominent dignitaries include the Adviser to the President on media, Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Director-Generals’ and the CEO of various media agencies/houses. The Special Adviser to the President on media in his remarks emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving national objectives.
Central to the objectives of these events was the need to ensure accurate, truthful, and responsible reporting by media practitioners. The HonourableMinister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Muhammed Idris stressed the importance of cooperation by all stakeholders in delivering objective reporting for the benefit of Nigerians. He pledged quarterly interactive discussions to maintain alignment between government communications and media narratives.
A notable highlight of the initiative was the launch of the MOBILISER app by the National Orientation Agency. This innovative platform, the DG NOA said will encourage the public participation through features like ‘see something, say something’ with intellectual games, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Available on both Apple Store and Android IOS, the app signifies a leap towards modernizing technology in information dissemination and enhancing citizen engagement.
The town hall meeting with the business community in Kano provided an avenue to showcase government efforts in economic development, including the appreciation of the Naira against the Dollar and the facilitation of border movements for business purposes.
A crucial aspect of the engagement was the visit to the Governor where the DG NOA calls for a closer working relationship between the State Government and Federal Agencies, particularly the NOA. The DG emphasized the importance of grassroots enlightenment on government policies and activities. He used the opportunity to seek for the State Governor’s support in achieving this goal. In response, the State Governor pledged total support and directed all relevant bodies respect the National Symbols and to utilize the National Flag according to stipulated guidelines.
In sum, the events in Kano underscored the government’s commitment to transparent communication, citizen engagement, and national development. Through strategic initiatives like the MOBILISER app and collaborative engagements with stakeholders, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation aims to bridge communication gaps, restore public trust, and foster a stronger sense of national unity and purpose.
Finally, the DG’s visit to the NOA state headquarters shed light on the need for infrastructural improvements and increased funding to enhance the Staffs’ welfare and the agency’s effectiveness in promoting national ethics and values.
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
