By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
National Orientation Agency (NOA) has rolled out a dynamic nationwide sensitization campaign in Borno State, targeting five key areas to enhance citizen awareness, strengthen trust in government, and promote national unity.
Launched on Wednesday at Garba Abari Hall, NOA State Directorate Headquarters in Maiduguri, the initiative focuses on government policies, safety nets, national security, flood mitigation, and reorienting youth on national values.
Representing NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics highlighted the agency’s mission to bridge the gap between government and citizens.
“Our campaigns are not just about information. They are about listening to Nigerians, engaging them, and fostering a sense of ownership in government programmes and policies,” he said.
The campaign will span all 36 states, the FCT, and 774 local government areas, featuring press conferences, town hall meetings, school visits, market rallies, and roadshows.
Key initiatives include the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme, benefiting over 600,000 students with N59 billion disbursed, and the National Youth Investment Fund, supporting 150,000 youths with N110 billion.
Safety nets like Conditional Cash Transfers have reached over 2 million households, while the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund has renovated 700 rural schools.
The campaign also emphasizes flood mitigation, with N3 billion allocated per state in 2024 for drainage clearance and community relocation, alongside a new law from the Agency for the Great Green Wall banning indiscriminate tree cutting to bolster climate resilience.
Borno State Director Michael Daniel Bdliya outlined local efforts, emphasizing collaboration with the state government, security agencies, and civil society.
“As we begin this campaign across all 27 local government areas of Borno State, we are committed to promoting discipline, safety, and learning,” Daniel said.
Key actions include deploying security personnel to schools, teacher training workshops, and scholarships for deserving students.
The state is also cracking down on social vices like drug abuse and thuggery through a Joint Task Force.
A local teacher, Fatima Ibrahim, welcomed the initiative.
“This campaign is a wake-up call for our youth to embrace positive values and for communities to work together for a safer, stronger Borno,” she said.
To combat flooding, Borno’s government, alongside agencies like NEMA and NiMet, is conducting workshops and radio jingles to raise awareness. Monthly environmental sanitation exercises and town hall meetings reinforce compliance with environmental laws.
Daniel urged widespread participation, stating, “I call on journalists, community leaders, students, market women, civil servants, and every citizen of Borno State to embrace this campaign.
“Let us work together to strengthen our values, mitigate disasters, safeguard our schools, secure our communities, and uphold the Nigerian identity with pride.”
With over 3 million Nigerians per state expected to be reached, the NOA’s campaign aims to foster a united, resilient, and prosperous nation.
