The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Orientation Agency (NOA)

  • Bode George to youths: Don’t repeat mistakes of the past

    Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George has warned Nigerian youths against repeating mistakes of the past.

    He said that without the knowledge of history amongst the youths, the mistakes that led to the civil war ans disagreement in the western region could be repeated.

    Speaking in Abuja at the elder statesmen’s reflections on Nigeria and the launch of a national compendium organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), he said that most youths, 35 years downwards are unable to say what led to the civil war or disagreement in the western region.

    His words, “The great American philosopher George Samtayana said ‘those who forget the past will be condemned to repeat it’ these days we realise that history is no longer taught in our schools, civic education is no longer taught in our schools, it must be made compulsory in our schools.

    Read Also: Obasanjo and I are reunited at last – Bode George

    “It gives them the foundation of understanding where the nation is coming from, they can appreciate the enormous problems of those who are in governance and the pitfalls of the past which can be avoided.

    “Take anyone from the age of 35 downwards and ask them what led to the disagreement of the old western region or the Nigerian civil war they will not know. We have remained a nation for 104 yrs that in itself is a great achievement. Let us beam further on the part of progression and Pacific relations and continue to stampout the ideology of hatred.”

    Director General, NOA said that the compendium  beams the searchlight on gladiators who fought to keep Nigeria together despite the odds.

    His words, “It bears a searchlight on Nigeria’s 100years of historic bonding and the legends who have contributed their quota as captured in the compendium of the peace gladiators who against all odds fought to ensure that stands firm and tall, the challenges and hiccups witnessed in some parts of the country is just a pasaing face.”

  • Kaduna: NOA begins sensitisation electorate,forthcoming LGs elections

    The National Orientation Agency ( NOA ), in Kaduna State on Thursday commenced sesitisation of electorate on the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.

    Alhaji Zubairu Galadima-Soba, Kaduna State Director of NOA, while launching the sensitisation programme in Zaria  said the essence of the exercise was to educate the electorate toward successful elections.

    The newsmen reports that the programme is tagged: Sensitisation and Mobilisation of Electorate Towards the 2018 Local Government Elections”.

    The newsmen also reports that the sensitisation is under “Change Begins With Me campaign on conservation and protection of public assets and critical infrastructure”.

    Galadima-Soba said the programme was geared towards free, fair, credible and hitch-free local government elections across the state.

    “Our duty in NOA is to sensitise the general public on government policies and programmes and in turn we take information whether good or bad from public to government.

    “In essence, we facilitate the flow of information from top to button and from button to top, therefore, election is not an exception, hence the need for this sensitisation’’, he said.

    The director advised youths to shun political thuggery, saying that such attitude was detrimental not only to the success of the elections but also to societal growth.

    He urged parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children, advising that they should be mindful of the fact that proper upbringing lies in their hands.

    Galadima-Soba encouraged the electorate come out en masse to exercise their franchise, saying that it was their legitimate right that no one would afford to miss.

    Read Also: Kaduna: Two mechanics face trial for alleged assault

    The director lamented the menace of drug abuse especially among the youths, adding that there was need for the society to take decisive action to reduce its spread.

    “We don’t need the security agencies to reduce the menace of drug abuse, it is our responsibility as parents and members of the society to take measures to reduce this ugly trend’’.

    In his speech, the Administrator, Zaria Local Government, Alhaji Tukur Abubakar-Yero stressed the need for people to cooperate towards a hitch-free local government elections.

    He lauded the courage and foresight of NOA for taking a bold step to organise the sensitisation programme.

    The newsmen reports that the sensitisation exercise drew participants from Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission ( KADSIECOM ), INEC, security agencies and Jama’atu Nasril Islam ( JNI ), Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ) among others.

    The newsmen also reports that questions and answers were entertained during the programme.

    NAN

  • Embrace data-driven reporting, UNICEF urges Nigerian media

    Embrace data-driven reporting, UNICEF urges Nigerian media

    The United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) has urged media professionals in Nigeria to embrace  data gathering  in order to ensure accurate  and credible  reportage.

    Mrs Blessing Ejiofor, UNICEF Communication Officer, Lagos Field Office, made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday at a two-day workshop on  data-driven reporting   for journalists.

    Our reporters ,   reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Lagos State.

    Ejiofor, who noted that data is  critical to policy-making in every organisation, said data processing in news writing would ensure that news and reports are  accurate and credible.

    “For our report to be credible and believable, we need accurate data from credible sources which make such reports to be credible and believable by people who read or watch,’’ she said.

    Ejiofor said that the workshop was aimed at training participants on how to effectively turn data into stories, adding that it would also create opportunities for data supported advocacy for children in the Nigerian media.

    Read Also: 12m girls become child brides yearly – UNICEF

    The workshop, she added, would also familiarize journalists with key finding of multiple indicator cluster survey as it relates to children and women in the South West  Zone and Edo.

    She further said  that the expected outcome of the training would  enable journalists to gain skills on interpreting data for stories and reports.

    Earlier, Mr Waheed Ishola, the NOA Director, said that the workshop was aimed at training journalists on gathering of  data and their interpretation for news reporting.

    Ishola said that data in news reporting was important for  accurate  and credible reports.

    Our reporters ,  reports that more than 50 journalists are participating in the workshop.

    NAN

  • 2019: Don’t just watch; participate actively, NOA tells Lagos residents

    2019: Don’t just watch; participate actively, NOA tells Lagos residents

    The National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) on Friday urged Lagos residents not to be just watchers, but to take active part in the electoral process.

    The State’s Director of the agency, Mr Waheed Ishola, gave the advice in an interview with our news reporter in Lagos.

    He said it was through participation that they could choose their preferred leaders in the 2019 elections.

    “The participation of Lagosians in the electoral process is very important because this is the only way they can use their democratic power.

    “People need to register to be eligible to vote, because if they don’t do that, they will not be eligible to vote.

    “If you are not eligible to vote, you cannot determine those who will govern over you.

    Read Also: CAPP, NOA lead campaign for peaceful council election

    “So, you cannot sit on the fence and continually complain about bad governance.

    “The starting point for you to partake in the electoral process is to validly register as voter to be able to choose people you believe have the right pedigree as your leaders.

    “So, my advice to all Lagosians of voting age is to come out now, especially as INEC has decided to embark on vigorous Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    “Residents should avail themselves of this opportunity so that they can exercise their democratic rights on the next elections,’’ he said.

    Ishola also urged residents who registered but had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from INEC to do so without delay.

    He urged them to get their cards at the appropriate INEC offices so they could exercise their voting rights.

    Ishola described voter apathy as a major challenge in the country’s democratic experience, saying NOA was making efforts to improve the situation in the state.

    “Voter apathy is a bit of a challenge. But we are doing our best to address that towards the next election.

    “Right now, we are on the field in different parts of the state sensitising members of the public on the need to partake in the electoral process; on the need to register as voters and go out to vote in the next election.

    “We are partnering INEC and other major stakeholders to sensitise people on the need to be part of the process.

    “Also, we have been engaging politicians at various fora on the need to sensitise and mobilise people for the next election.

    “We are addressing the issue of voter apathy within our mandate and we hope things would improve in the next elections,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • NOA begins nationwide campaign on ‘Building People of Peace’

    NOA begins nationwide campaign on ‘Building People of Peace’

    The National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) has commenced a nationwide campaign tagged “Building a People of Peace’’ to foster harmonious relationship among Nigerians.

    The Kwara State Coordinator of NOA, Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, made the disclosure on Monday while delivering his speech at the flag off of the programme in Ilorin.

    He said the campaign was to foster peace in homes, workplaces and religious organisations.

    “Let me reiterate the fact that peace and harmonious living are the sine quo non for development, economic growth and well being of all and sundry.

    “Peace is an issue that cannot be over emphasised because without it, the society will experience crisis and be in chaos without achieving any developmental goals,’’ Adeyemi said.

    The NOA coordinator called on all stakeholders to play vital role in building peace, especially at a time when hate speeches and separatist agitations were being fuelled by selfish Nigerians.

    Kwara State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole, who spoke at the event, said equity and tolerance were necessary for peace and harmonious relationship and in building heterogeneous society.

    “To achieve cordial and peaceful relationship in the society, we should shun tribalism, favouritism, injustice and other vices,” she said.

    Oluwole called on civil servants to be committed to their duties and adhere to laid down rules and regulations governing their jobs.

    She urged NOA not to relent in the sensitisation of the public on issues that would promote peace in the society.

    The Guest Speaker, Prof. Isaac Albert, Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, said Nigerians must respect their socio-cultural and religious differences in order to build a strong and peaceful nation.

    He said: “we are not created to think and act the same way, therefore we must recognise the contributions and opinions of every citizen in Nigeria.

    “The country is diversified with different cultural and socio-political settings which tolerance and respect for one another must be factor of consideration to achieve peace.”

    NAN

  • NOA boss expresses concern over drug abuse among youths

    NOA boss expresses concern over drug abuse among youths

    Alhaji Mato Yakubu, State Director, National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) has decried the high level of indiscipline and drug abuse among youths, especially secondary school students.

    Yakubu expressed his concern during a sensitisation programme on drug abuse among primary school and secondary school students organised at Central Primary School Gombe on Tuesday.

    He said that the agency embarked on the exercise because of the menace of drug abuse and addiction among the youths in the state.

    Yakubu noted that youths were an important segment of society describing them as leaders of tomorrow.

    He advised the youths to shun people with questionable character, avoid all forms of social vices and be at peace with one another.

    The state director said youths should be disciplined, skilled and self-reliant so as to reduce over-dependence on parents and government.

    Also, the state Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), Aliyu Adole said the abuse of drugs had negative effects on the brain and other systems of the body.

    Adole, who was represented by Mohammed Alkali, an officer in the agency, said that students were not supposed to be exposed to hard drugs because it could damage their brains.

    He advised them not accept substances from politicians to commit any crime.

    The commandant also advised students to make sure that they kept good friends and stopped associating with bad friends.

    Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, the Senior District Head of Gombe, also advised students to focus on their studies and develop interest in positive things that would be of benefit to them in future.

    NOA had organised the programme at Community Secondary School, Dukku; Central Primary School, Dukku; and Government Comprehensive, Bojude, Hassan, among others.

    NAN

  • Nigerians cautioned against hate speech

    Nigerians cautioned against hate speech

    Kwara State  Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Olusegun Adeyemi,  has advised Nigerians to shun divisive and inciting comments that could cause disaffection among ethnic groups in the country.

    Adeyemi gave the advice in a release made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Tuesday.

    “NOA is concerned that the social fabric of Nigeria is being ruined with careless and unguarded statements by individuals and groups.

    “Crisis lies ahead of us, if we do not halt hate speeches and conducts now,” the NOA director added.

    According to him, most of the uprisings, tribal wars, religious crisis and ethnic clashes the country experienced in the past were due to intolerance, hate pronouncements and hate conduct by leaders and citizens.

    Adeyemi, therefore, urged all Nigerians to be mindful of the people they listened to and the statements they make on social media.

    He emphasized that the strength of Nigeria as a nation lies in its unity and assured that the Federal Government remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.

  • NOA, UNIABUJA to start certificate course

    NOA, UNIABUJA to start certificate course

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) have perfected plans to commence a certificate course in Moral Ethics and National Values to orientate Nigerian youth.

    Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General of NOA disclosed this when he paid a working visit to the University of Abuja on Thursday.

    He also reviewed the work of the joint committee of both organisations on arrangements for the take-off of the programme.

    Abari observed that most of Nigeria’s problems had to do with poor values and little understanding of the nation’s history and antecedents.

    He however expressed optimism that the certificate course being proposed would address the challenge of failing national values among the youth.

    Abari said that NOA would not only redeem its obligations in the partnership but would also work jointly with the university and other authorities to ensure a positive shift in values among the youth.

    Prof. Michael Adikwu, UNIABUJA Vice Chancellor said that Nigerian students must come to terms with present day national realities, adding that it differed from what obtained previously.

    He stressed the need to de-emphasise unrealistic expectations from government by the youths, adding that they must begin to look inward to harness their trainings and abilities for national development.

    Adikwu stressed the urgency of the Moral Ethics and National Values programme in the light of the need for prompt national rebirth.

    He said that the citadel of learning had a responsibility to contribute robustly toward positioning the youths for nation building.

  • NOA supports legislation for elderly in Nigeria

    NOA supports legislation for elderly in Nigeria

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed support for the proposed bill seeking to outline privileges, support and opportunities for the elderly in the country.

    Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General, NOA disclosed this when he hosted members of Coalition of Societies for Rights of Older Persons (COSROPIN) on courtesy visit to the NOA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Abari said that the care for the elderly in the society should be a national concern,  adding that the coalition of different organisations would provide a stronger voice for the domestication of the bill.

    He said that the coalition would also facilitate advocacy and sensitisation to the grassroots.

    “I urge all stakeholders across private and public organisations to contribute their quota towards improving the lot of the elderly in our society.”

    The NOA boss pledged the commitment of the agency to the cause, saying it would deploy all the messaging platforms to promote the bill.

    Abari said that the NOA would work with the coalition on the laudable initiative in line with national service.

    Earlier, Sen. Eze Ajoku, the President, COSROPIN, said the coalition was formed to address issues affecting the aged, to protect their well-being, dignity and welfare, according to the Constitution.

    Ajoku said that sections to actualise these objectives were contained in the proposed bill.

    He said that the visit to NOA was to ask for partnership on the agency’s robust platform.

    “We want NOA to add a stronger voice to this course by taking the message to all nooks and crannies of the country,” Ajoku said.