Politics

Council Poll: Oyo NOA Holds Sensitization Campaign in Ibadan

By Web News 884

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Oyo State Directorate has appealed to residents of the state to participate actively in the forth coming local government election. 

The agency made the appeal during voter sensitization and mobilization campaign held at six local government councils in Ibadan. 

The local government areas included Ibadan North, Ido, Ibadan South West, South East, Ibadan North East and North West.  

A statement by the state director, Mrs Folake Ayoola, says NOA wants residents to see the forth coming local government elections slated to hold 22nd of this month, as their civic responsibilities for the development and growths of the state.

It states that the purpose of the sensitization is to change the perspective residents of the state have about local government election and its conduct. 

It adds that the new executives of OYSIEC have promised to deliver a credible local council poll and ensure every vote counts.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

Vote Credible Candidates Who Would Make Impact At Grassroots-NOA Director

By Web News 601

The new Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs Folake Ayoola has appealed to residents of the state to be informed of electoral activities prior next month’s local government election. 

Mrs Ayoola made the appeal while speaking with radio Nigeria as part of efforts to creating awareness against voter apathy. 

The NOA boss also urged the electorate to vote for credible candidates who would make impact at the grassroots. 

Mrs Ayoola pledged the agency’s readiness at intensifying campaign against youth’s involvement in cyber crimes and other criminalities. 

Mrs Ayoola however advised residents to be cautious of their movement by avoiding too early or late night outings. 

Mosope Kehinde

News

Oyo NOA Organises Summit, Charges Youths On Capacity Building

By Web News 544

In an effort to reposition and encourage the Youths to get more involved in national development, the national orientation agency, NOA, Oyo state, has organised a day summit for youth in Ibadan. 

The summit which had youth organizations, corps members, students and civil society organizations as participants also focused on capacity building for youth to equip them for impact ahead of leadership positions. 

In an address, Oyo state chairperson, national youth council of Nigeria, Mrs Adebobola Agbeja and a child rights advocate, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile charged youths to equip themselves in skills, and knowledge and endeavour to keep bringing value to socio-economic development through technology, proper management. 

Also speaking, special adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on security, Mr Fatai Owoseni commended the initiative and appealed to youths to take advantage of the summit to have an attitudinal change in contributing to national development. 

A corps member, one of the participants, Miss Joy Chima described the summit as an eye opener. 

Earlier in a welcome address, Oyo state director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Moshood Olaleye enjoined youths to shun social vices such as drug addiction, rape, banditry and advance free fraud, rather channel their energy and skill to legitimate activities. 

He said the summit was designed to provide platform for youth to reflect on the past, present and future of Nigerians youth in political participation for national development. 

Mosope Kehinde

Lifestyle

NOA Sensitises Community Leaders On Covid-19 Vaccines

By Web News 694

Leaders of Community Development Councils in Ibadan and Ibarapa zones of Oyo State have been enjoined to orientate people in their councils about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The Oyo State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Moshood Olaleye said this while addressing the community leaders in Ibadan.

Mr Olaleye stated that there was the need for people to understand that the COVID-19 vaccines have no side effects and remain the only way to prevent contracting the virus. 

He equally enjoined people of the state to shun issue of tribalism and continue to live in a way that will foster unity in the state.

Responding, the Zonal Chairman of Community Development Councils in Ibadan and Ibarapa, Alhaji Abdulfatai Oloyede commended the NOA for the enlightenment on COVID-19 vaccine and ways to ensure adequate security among all tribes.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Respect one another, project the country’s values – Ogun NOA Boss

By Web News 646

Nigerians have been encouraged to cherish their status as true citizens by projecting the country’s values and respecting the rights of one another, even as the nation battles the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges. 

Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Sola Babalola made the call in Abeokuta while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the agency’s citizens campaign with the theme, “Building a people of peace: fall in love with Nigeria”. 

Staff Reporter, Oluwatoyin Adegoke has the rest of the story.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Religion

Covid Vaccines: NOA Urges Religious Leaders to Sensitize Faithful

By Web News 529


National Orientation Agency, NOA in Oyo state has called on religious leaders to sensitize their followers on the need to be vaccinated against COVID 19 when the vaccines are made available in the state.
The state director of the Agency, Mr Moshood Olaleye said this during a visit to some places of worship in Ibadan metropolis.
At some of the places of worship visited,Mr Olaleye alongside some officials of the Agency, enjoined religious leaders to support the government in the fight against COVID 19 by admonishing their followers about the benefits of COVID 19 vaccines.
The state NOA boss said COVID 19 vaccine has been certified for human usage by the World Health Organization, WHO, and there had been no negative reports from those who had been vaccinated against COVID 19.
Mr Olaleye who commended religious leaders in Oyo state for complying with COVID 19 Protocols during services, reiterated that there was no medicine for the cure of the virus.
In their separate contributions, the Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheik Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere and Pastor Peter Oloyede of Christ Foundation Victory Life Mission, Bashorun, Ibadan, assured the Agency of their total commitment to the fight against Covid-19.


Mr Olaleye at the end of the visit, presented letters on the importance of COVID 19 vaccines written by the Director General of National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari to the religious leaders.
Some places of worship visited included Christ Foundation Victory Life Mission, Bashorun, NASFAT center, Iwo Road and Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Yemetu.
Olaolu Fawole

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Security

Security Stake Holders Meet in Ibadan Over Insecurity

By Web News 693

Participants at a one day stakeholders meeting on restoration of enduring peace in Ibadan and other hotspots in Oyo state have called for the recovery of weapons from hoodlums in the state.

This was part of resolutions reached at the meeting which was organised by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Oyo state directorate.

Participants included Mogajis, who are the traditional heads of compounds in Ibadan, representatives of security agencies and humanitarian organisations.

In the past few weeks, there have been series of violence in some parts of Ibadan.

While some of the violence has been attributed to clashes between rival groups, another factor responsible for violence was the disruption of construction projects by land grabbers also known as omo onile, which has always ended in reprisal attacks.

At the stakeholders meeting, participants took turns to share views on curtailing the development.
They described as unfortunate, the situation where hoodlums freely made use of weapons during clashes, noting that such needed to be curbed before going out of control.

The stakeholders pointed out that proliferation of weapons should equally be checked.

Other resolutions reached included the need to review existing laws on crimes which were outdated, as well as, enacting a law to eradicate activities of land grabbers also known as omo onile in the state.

One of the participants, who is also the head of one of the humanitarian agencies at the meeting, Mr Felix Odusanya, called on government to provide job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and appealed to members of the public to always give maximum support to security agencies in curbing crime.

In a message to the stakeholders meeting, the olubadan of ibadan, oba soliu adetunji had decried the non implementation of various resolutions of previous meetings on security matters aimed at promoting peace in the society.

Speaking through the Ekefa Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, Oba Adetunji called on the National Orientation Agency not to allow the resolutions of the peace meeting go down the drains.

Also speaking, Oyo state director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Moshood Olaleye, assured residents of the state that resolutions at the stakeholders meeting would be channelled to appropriate quarters for full implementation.

Mr Olaleye added that NOA would continue to partner relevant stakeholders on other steps at ensuring a peaceful society.

Olaolu Fawole

Religion

NOA, NAHCON Strengthen Collaboration for Safe Covid Period Hajj

By Web News 618


Press Release

The National Orientation Agency NOA and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have agreed to strengthen their long existing collaboration toward safe and hitch free Hajj operations in the year 2021.

The Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari made this known when receiving NAHCON officials led by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Abari said that the NOA and NAHCON were optimistic that Hajj, a major pillar of Islam, would hold in 2021, unlike the year 2020 when it couldn’t hold due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that all must be done to prevent the spread of the virus through strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols at all stages of the hajj process.

He said the NOA/NAHCON collaboration, to which NOA remains committed, is very critical to the success of Hajj operations because it sensitizes potential pilgrims in their own dialects about what to expect and how to behave during the pilgrimage. According to him, NOA State and Local Government officials serve as credible channels of information for potential pilgrims at the community level where they speak the local dialects to create the necessary sensitization for a hitch free pilgrimage.

Describing the Hajj sensitization program of the Agency, the DG NOA said it includes interactions with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), women organizations, youth organizations and community leaders as well as the provision of information materials for easy mobilization and pre-Hajj orientation.

Earlier, the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan said the Commission was in NOA to leverage the Agency’s robust platforms to orient and sensitize the Muslim Ummah in all nooks and crannies of the country. Against the backdrop of pervasive and persistent disbelief in the existence of COVID-19 among the populace, the NAHCON Chairman said the 2021 Hajj sensitization would include persuasion of pilgrims on the reality of COVID-19, the need for precautions and testing and the need to avail themselves for vaccination when the vaccines become available in the country.

Hassan was hopeful that the COVID-19 Vaccine will be available soon and in good time for the vaccination of the 2021 Hajj hopefuls. He thanked the NOA for its continued support for Hajj operations and called on the Agency to intensify its sensitization in the areas of COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

Paul Odenyi
Assistant Director, Press
WEBSITE: noa.gov.ng TWITTER: @NOA_Nigeria FACEBOOK: National Orientation Agency, Nigeria INSTAGRAM: @noa_nigeria

Education

Covid: NOA Takes Second Phase of Sensitization Campaign to Schools

By Web News 748

As part of efforts to check the increasing rate of COVID 19, the National Orientation Agency has commenced the second phase of sensitization campaign to over three hundred primary and secondary schools in Oyo state.

In the first phase of the programme held last year, three hundred schools were visited by the campaign team of the Agency.

Since the outbreak of COVID 19 in Nigeria last year, all tiers of government have been embarking on various programmes to reduce the spread of the virus.

As at now, there are over five thousand confirmed cases of COVID 19 in oyo state and to stem the trend and ensure full compliance to COVID 19 protocols, the national orientation agency in Oyo state decided to visit schools and educate children on COVID 19.

In some of the schools visited, hand washing basins and sanitizers were adequately provided by the school authorities.

The new state director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Moshood Olaleye while addressing the students during the morning assembly in some of the schools, stressed the need for them to adhere strictly to COVID 19 protocols and not to be carried away by fake news concerning the virus.

Mr. Olaleye said the visits to schools were to ensure that students become agents of information on COVID 19 to both their parents and other members of their immediate communities. 

He equally advised the children to always put on clean facemasks, adding that those who violated the use of facemasks risk imprisonment

Mr Olaleye stated further that members of the public should make themselves available to be vaccinated against COVID 19 when the need arises

According to Mr Olaleye, the vaccine on COVID 19 has been certified for human usage and urged people to discard various rumours surrounding the vaccine. 

The Vice Principal of Bashorun High senior school, Mrs Elizabeth Olawore and the headmistress of IMG primary school Six, Alake,  Mrs Sade Muraina told radio Nigeria the various steps taken to prevent COVID 19 in their schools

Sensitization campaign was held simultaneously in schools in all the local councils of the state. 

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Remain safety-conscious, COVID-19 is still here – Ogun NOA Director

By Web News 652

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, wants Nigerians in leadership positions in different sectors to ensure continuous awareness among their followers in the bid to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Ogun State Director of the Agency, Mr Sola Babalola made the appeal while speaking with Radio Nigeria on measures to be taken against the recent increase in cases of COVID-19.

Mr Babalola maintained that all hands must be on deck to curb the continued spread of the virus, noting that the containment required sustained hygiene among other precautionary measures. 

The Ogun State Director of NOA who attributed the second wave of the virus to people’s carefree attitude to important precautions and guidelines, said the agency would not relent in its enlightenment drive to promote attitudinal change among Nigerians.

Reeling out the agency’s plan for this yuletide season, Mr Babalola said continuous sensitization visits tagged “Building the people of peace” were ongoing to speak with the people at their places of worship, parks, recreation centres and other designated spots spanning the nooks and crannies of the state.

He encouraged Nigerians to always adhere strictly to the rules and regulations against the spread of the virus, noting that following the safety procedures remained the only way to contain the pandemic.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

News Yoruba

Àdínkù bá àsà abẹ́ dídá fóbìrin nílu Ìsẹ́yìn

By Web News 857

Ètó ìpolongo àti ìlanilọ́yẹ̀ lórí fífòpinsí ètò abẹ-dídá fọ́mọbìrin nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ lóti sọ èso rere pẹ̀lú bí agbègbè mẹ́rìndínlógójì nìjọba ìbílẹ̀ Ìsẹ́yìn nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́, se fìdí rẹ̀ múlẹ̀ pé àsà náà tidi ohun àfìsẹ́yìn téegún fisọ.

Èyí tẹlẹ oníruru ètò ìdánilẹ́kọ àti ìpàdé pẹ̀lú àwọn tọ́rọkàn lórí abẹ-dídá, èyítí àjọ olùtanijí sojuse ẹni N.O.A nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ àti àjọ UNICEF gùnlé láwọn agbègbè tásà náà tigògò lọ́dún mẹ́rin sẹ́yìn.

Olùdarí ajọ NOA, nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ arábìnrin Dọlapọ Dosunmu gbóóríyìn fáwọn olórí agbègbè fún àjọ náà pé láipẹ láijìnà òpin pátápátá yóò de bá àsà abẹ́ dídá fọ́mọbìnrin nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́.

Nínú ọ̀rọ̀ rẹ̀ olùdarí àjọ UNICEF, lẹ́kùn ìwọ̀ọorùn ilẹ̀ yíì, arábìnrin Aderonkẹ Olutayọ sọpé, láipẹ ikọ kan yóò jk gbígbékalẹ̀ láti máà tọpinpin àwọn ilé-ìwòsàn, àtàwọn ibùdó ìgbẹ̀bí tófimọ́ sise ìdánilẹ́kọ fáwọn tọ́rọkàn láti fòpin sí àsà àbẹ́ dídá fọ́mọbìnrin.

Sáajú Asẹ́yìn tìlú Ìsẹ́yìn, ọ̀mọ̀wé Abdulgani Adekunle ẹnitó sọdi mímọ̀ pé, òyé ti yé wọn lágbègbè ọ̀hún pé, kòsí ànfàní kankan nínú dídábẹ́ fọ́mọbìnrin èyító ńpè fún síse àtìlẹ́yìn fún bópin yóòse débá.

Àwọn agbègbè tọ́rọkan tọwọ́ bọ fọmu tájọ UNICEF, sì fúnwọn ní ìwé ẹ̀rí.

Kẹhinde/Idogbe

Culture

NOA Wants Oyo Government To Boost Tourism

By Web News 868

Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu has challenged the state government through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism to intensify effort at promoting indigenous languages. 

Mrs Dosunmu stated this while receiving the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Culture and Tourism, Mr Ademola Ige, at the NOA Secretariat, Ibadan. 

The NOA boss who noted that the ways local languages and cultural values are going into extinction called for concern, said local languages and traditional attires were enough to promote tourism in the state. 

Mrs Dosunmu advised Oyo State Government to declare a day during the week that will workers wear traditional attire and communicate in their local languages to encourage members of the public. 

Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr Ademola Ige said the purpose of the familiarization visit was to seek partnership with NOA, Oyo State to enlighten people on the untapped potentials in tourism sector of the state. 

Mr Ige said the state will soon hold a tourism summit with a view to moving the economy forward.

Mosope Kehinde

Religion

Salah: Aare Musulumi Urges Muslims to Comply with Covid-19 Precautionary Measures

By Web News 994

Ahead of tomorrow’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration across the world, the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Akinola has advised Muslims faithful to adhere strictly to all Covid-19 protocols at worship centres. 

The Aare Musulumi gave the advice while receiving the Oyo state directorate of the National Orientation Agency, NOA in his house in Ibadan during an advocacy visit. 

Alhaji Akinola who was disturbed by the spike in the cases of coronavirus in Nigeria in recent weeks appealed to Muslims in the state to observe their Eid at homes or central mosques close to them with proper adherence to the use of face mask, hand washing and physical distancing. 

He said the Federal government’s continuous appeal for Nigerians to observe all precautions against the spread of Covid-19 was to ensure the safety of every citizen which he said should be maintained by members of the public. 

Alhaji Akinola also called on the Federal and state governments to intensify efforts at increasing testing capacity, create more isolation centres and upgrade health facilities to cater for the treatment of the people. 

Earlier, Oyo state Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu said the purpose of the visit was to partner the office of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land to enlighten Muslims on the need to observe Covid-19 precautions during Salah. 

Mrs Dosunmu called on religious leaders to continue to teach their congregants the importance of wearing face mask and physical distancing to curb the spread of the virus. 

Mosope Kehinde

News Analysis

INEC and the e-Voting Option

By Web News 1383

Some weeks ago, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu announced the commission’s readiness to use electronic voting in some elections slated for next year.

The INEC boss noted that, the move is in response to the health threats posed by the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

While promising to work towards the full introduction of electronic voting in major elections, starting from 2021.

He explained that it would give room for the trial run of the system for a decent period of two years before the 2023 general election.

The commission will also adopt electronic platforms for the submission of nomination forms by political parties ahead of governorship elections billed to take place this year.

In the Edo and Ondo elections scheduled for September 16 and October 10, 2020, facemasks will be mandatory for voters stepping into polling units, the commission has announced, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Electoral officials, ad-hoc staff, security personnel and observers monitoring the vote will also use face masks in the governorship elections in both states.

Polling areas will be redesigned to ensure substantial compliance with established protocols such as physical distancing.

The commission also announced that infrared thermometers will be used at the various collation centers, alcohol-based hand sanitisers at the polling units for election officials while methylated spirit and cotton wool are to be provided for the disinfection of the smart card readers after the fingerprint of each voter is read.

The commission added that it would regularly clean up the biometric register of voters while continuous voter registration is suspended forthe time being to prevent the health risks associated with it in the context of COVID-19.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, still votes and collates manually, even though registration for voting has been digitized.

Sadly, human interference in the balloting process has led to results being contested in courtrooms following allegations of widespread rigging.

Although, e-voting will discourage mass gathering of people, in line with the COVID-19 containment protocol, it has benefits far beyond the maintenance of physical distancing.

It has the potential to sanitise the electoral process, which is currently bogged down by violence, restriction of movements as well as the pathetic inability of the electoral body to overcome the challenges of logistics.

The announcement is commendable but there is the need for caution, e-voting can mean a variety of things, from voting via a device rather than a paper ballot to remote voting via smartphone.

According to report, fears that e-voting machines could be hacked have caused some to warn against their adoption in some countries.

When fully implemented, it will be the culmination of more than five years of the electoral body’s experimentation with technology in the organisation of elections.

The e voting system is expected to correct anomalies that have charaterised past elections in the country.

Countries that have adopted e-voting on the continent include Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo while countries like Ghana and Kenya have had strong digital components in their elections.

According to data from the international institute for democracy and electoral assistance, globally, thirty three countries had already adopted e-voting as of 2018.

Although, it is believed to produce faster and more accurate results, it is not as if e-voting is a panacea for all election-related problems that have been burdening the country.

INEC and NOA have to complement e-voting with massive political education of the citizenry to address voter apathy disenfranchisement and above all, provision of constant power supply without which e-voting will be a mirage.

Titilayo Kupoliyi

Lifestyle

Covid-19 is Real, Protect Yourself – Outgoing-NOA Director

By Web News 744

Residents of Ondo State have been told to see Covid-19 as a reality and then take necessary measures against the pandemic.

This was the farewell message of the state director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Ondo State, Mr Bode Famose at his last meeting with the Ondo State Emergency Operation Center, EOC, for Covid-19. 

Mr Famose is bowing out of the civil service having attained the mandatory retirement age of sixty years.

Radio Nigeria, Staff reporter John Ebiofini covered the event.

John Ebiofini

Politics

ICPC Partners NOA to Sensitize Public on Developmental Projects

By Web News 1377

Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has taken the bull by the horns to ensure that constituency projects are carried out to their letters.

To achieve this, ICPC in collaboration with National Orientation Agency, NOA, embarked on enlightenment program, tagged “My Constituency, My Projects” in Akure to sensitize the public on Development projects meant for their areas.

ICPC recently set up Constituency Projects Tracking Group, CPTG, to track projects executed by legislators meant to develop the grassroots.

The group discovered many empowerment items tagged constituency projects meant to be given out piled up for over three years to the detriment of the people.

To address this anomaly, ICPC then partnered NOA to organize “My Constituency My Project” campaign to reawaken the people.

ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, represented by ICPC commissioner for Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States, Baba-alaro Shuaib, said the Commission was out to correct corrupt practices perpetrated by legislators.

In a welcome address, the Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr Garba Abari represented by NOA Director, Ondo State, Mr Bode Famose, urged Nigerians to take ownership of various developments to better their lots.

Some of the participants, including the traditional head of Ijigba, Rev Luyi Rotimi, Mr Samuel Oso, Pastor Yinka Odedele and Mrs Folake Esan expressed confidence that the campaign would go a long way to address non-execution of constituency projects in the communities.

Security agents, corps members, traditional rulers, newsmen and other members of the public graced the occasion.

John Ebiofini

Health News

Coronavirus: Oyo NOA Sensitizes Market Men and Women

By Web News 1090

Considering the high volume of economic activities operating at market places and motor parks, the Oyo State National Orientation Agency, (NOA), has taken its sensitization campaign against Coronavirus to some markets within Ibadan metropolis.  

The sensitization rally which kicked-off from Oke-Padi to Ogunpa market and ended at Dugbe market, afforded traders the opportunity to be informed of proper hygiene as well as causes, symptoms and measures at preventing the spread of Coronavirus. 

While addressing newsmen after the one on one sensitization, State Director, NOA, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu, said the campaign against Coronavirus became necessary after the epidemic hit over 100 countries with Nigeria inclusive.

Mrs. Dosunmu, however, advised political office holders, traditional and religious leaders to champion the campaign against Coronavirus epidemic in their localities.

The NOA boss who advised the traders to wash their hands regularly, avoid over crowed places as well as close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses, appealed to them to extend such campaign to their homes, neighborhood and environment. 

According to World Health Organization, (WHO), confirmed cases of Coronavirus have risen to 130,000 with more than 4,700 deaths reported across the world.

Politics

Ondo NOA Raises Awareness on FOI Act

By Web News 755

Access to information promotes national development, unity and good governance but when distorted can lead to anarchy and breakdown of law and order in the society.

It is in this respect that, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Ondo State Directorate organised a stakeholders’ meeting to sensitize Nigerians on the importance of Freedom of Information Act.

Correspondent, John Ebiofini now reports.

John Ebiofini

Politics

Stakeholders Stress Need For More Awareness On FOI Act

By Web News 767

Participants at a stakeholders meeting on the Freedom of Information, FOI Act have advocated adequate sensitization campaign on the application of the act to enable members of the public make their political officeholders accountable.

The programme organized by the Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, which had in attendance stakeholders from ministries, department and agencies was organized to evaluate the successes of the act and its impact on national development.

While some of the stakeholders blamed the inadequacies in the implementation of FOI act on lack of awareness, ignorance, faulty judicial processes and long bureaucracy involved in accessing government information, others believed Nigerians needed more reorientation on their nonchalant attitude to laws and government policies. 

They also suggested that a desk office is created in all MDAs that will take care of the requests from members of the public on government information for easy access. 

A cross-section of stakeholders at the sensitisation programme

In an address, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun who reiterated the determination of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led-administration to be more accountable, said the state government would soon embark on Stakeholders Town-Hall meetings geared towards disseminating government programmes as well as receiving people’s opinion and needs in their communities. 

Dr Olatunbosun noted that no meaningful development can take place in any society if leaders are not accountable to their followers. 

While highlighting some clauses in the FOI act passed into law in 2011, a resource person, Miss Tirenioluwa Ibitoye said though every Nigerian has the right to Freedom of Information, there are certain exemptions to the act especially on information that may jeopardize the operations of security agencies or injurious to the development of the country. 

Earlier in a welcome address, the state director NOA, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu said the agency will continue to sensitize the public on key provisions of the FOI act and how it can be used to promote good governance. 

The agency also used the opportunity of the stakeholders meeting to sensitize participants on preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus. 

Mosope Kehinde

Yoruba

Àjọ NÓÀ pè fún àmúlò òfin tó wà fún òmìnira lílo àkọsílẹ̀ ìjọba

By Web News 709

Àwọn tọrọ kàn ti pè fún àmúlò òfin tó wà fún sìsámúlo àwọn àkọsílẹ̀ láìsí ifoya.

Ọ̀rọ̀ yi ló jé jáde níbi ìpàdé apero tí àjọ tó wà fún itaniji ará ìlú sí ojúṣe wọn NOA gbé kalẹ nilu Ilorin ńipinle Kwara.

Oga agba àjọ NOA, ńipinle Kwara, Ogbeni Olusegun Adeyemi ṣàpèjúwe sìsámúlo òfin yí bí ohun tó jé alabala méjì nítorípé bí àwọn ará ìlú kò bá bèrè ọ̀rọ̀, ìjọba tàbí àwọn lajolajo kò ní lee dáhùn.

Ogbéni Adeyemi ní àjọ NOA fún nkan bíi ọdún mẹsan sẹ́yìn tí ńlewaju nìdi rírọ àwọn ènìyàn láti máa samulo àwọn àkọsílẹ̀ àti rírọ àwọn ilé isẹ ìjọba àti lajolajo láti máa pèsè àwọn àkọsílẹ̀ yí fún lílo.

Alábòójútó foro ìròyìn ńipinle náà, Alhaji Murtala Olanrewaju ẹnití ìgbàkejì oga lèka ilaniloye ará ìlú Arábìnrin Christiana Ashonibare ṣojú fún ní sìsámúlo òfin yí ní anfaani tó pọ̀ lára rẹ ni ibasepo tó gunmo láàrín ìjọba àti àwọn ará ìlú.

Yẹmisi Dada/Kẹmi Ogunkọla 

Education

Nigerian Youths Need Attitudinal Reorientation for National Development – NOA DG

By Web News 1780

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, is taking up the campaign on attitudinal reorientation for youths.

The Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari while addressing one of the campaign programs held at the Federal University of Technology, FUTA, Akure said inculcating the right values in the youths for contemporary existence would make the country achieve its desired greatness.

Dr. Abari represented by Oyo State NOA Director, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu posited that the get-rich-quick syndrome among youths must be discouraged by concerned stakeholders.

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who spoke through his Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation, Mr. Gbologe Alex harped on engaging the youths productively to safeguard the country’s future.

In a remark, FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape represented by Dean, School of Health, Professor Ayodele Adeagbo submitted that instilling discipline and moral values in students had been the hallmark of the institution.

Earlier, Ondo State Director of the NOA, Mr. Bode Famose submitted that the national programme was designed as a window of opportunity to educate the youths on the need for attitudinal reorientation and a chance to key into the Change Begins With Me project.

Two of the young participants, Ayo Fasusi and Lola Ojo pledged to keep faith in Nigeria and impact positively on their generation.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

Health

Lassa fever: Strict Adherence to Hygienic Practices, Very Important – NOA

By Web News 786

Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu has admonished Nigerians to ensure that hygienic practices are observed at all times to guard against the spread of Lassa fever.

Mrs. Dosunmu gave the advice at a news conference in Ibadan on the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria and scourge of coronavirus ravaging some countries of the world.

The NOA boss tasked members of the public to ensure a clean environment to avoid rodents and imbibe the habit of regular hand-washing.

Oyo NOA Director, Mrs. Dolapo Dosumu speaking on Lassa fever

While urging people to avoid the eating of bats or leftover foods, Mrs. Dosunmu counseled producers of cassava flakes, especially in the rural areas, to desist from spreading such substances on tarred roads during processing.

Mrs. Dosunmu who explained that the federal government is on red alert to ensure coronavirus does not surface on its soil appealed to Nigerians to contribute their part by strictly adhering to medical instructions.

Mosope Kehinde

Health

Health: NOA Sensitizes Residents of Oyo Town

By Web News 818

Oyo State Directorate of National Orientation Agency, NOA has organized a sensitization programme for residents of Oyo town on the need to practice basic healthy lifestyle. 

At the enlightenment programme held with the support of the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF, the NOA State Director, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu solicited the cooperation of traditional institutions and religious leaders in the state to champion the advocacy for healthy living practices among residents.

Mrs Dosunmu while reiterating that the role of traditional and religious leaders in the African settings cannot be overemphasized; said the advocacy meeting was targeted at re-orientating and informing various leaders of groups on the importance of healthy living with a view to encouraging them pass across the messages to their followers. 

One of the religious leaders, Retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu lauded the National Orientation Agency for the initiative, saying it would go a long way in reshaping the healthy lifestyle of residents of Oyo town. 

Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu also enjoined residents to take cognizance of basic healthy practices like hand washing, sanitation, and healthy eating practices for proper growth and safe environment. 

The event had in attendance large turnout of stakeholders in the health sector, government officials, traditional and religious leaders as well as representative from all local government in Oyo central senatorial district.

Mosope Kehinde

Yoruba

Onimo nipa oro aabo se atotonu lori ifesemule aabo

By Web News 1396

Awon toro abo gberu ti pejo se idanileko lori igbese lati gbogunti iwa-ibaje, WAI Brigade, lori olopa agbegbe eyiti ajo olutaniji araalu sojuse won N.O.A. nipinle Oyo s’agbekale re.

Oludanileko nibi eto naa, oluranlowo pataki fun Ogagun agba fajo abo araeni l’aabo-ilu ekun kefa, ACG Shem Obafaye ro awon osise WAI Brigade yii lati maa sise won bi ise.

Ninu oro to firanse, Olubadamoran pataki fun Gomina ipinle Oyo onimo ero Seyi Makinde f’oro abo Alakoso nilese Olopa toti fehinti nilese Olopa, Ogbeni Fatai Owoseni ro awon osise WAI Brigade naa lati ma gbe iwa omoluabi woo nigbagbo.

Kemi Ogunkola/Rasheedah Makinde

Politics

Peace is required for proper development – Oyo NOA Director

By Web News 755

The need to foster harmonious relationship among Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribe or political background for a peaceful country has been reemphasized. 

At a sensitization programme marking this year’s International Day of Peace organized in Ibadan by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Oyo State director, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu explained that no nation of the world could develop in an atmosphere of chaos, insurgence, ethnic and religious crises, hence the need for everyone to toe the path of peace at all times. 

Mrs. Dosunmu said the agency will not rest on its oars in the drumming into the hearing of Nigerians, the importance of peace to the socio-economic development of the country, until the peaceful relations become an general attitude in Nigeria. 

Also speaking, Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the  Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Mutiu Agboke identified family ties, justice for all, understanding the differences of every person and caution in the preaching of material gains by religious leaders as some of the factors needed to nurture peace in Nigeria. 

A cross-section of participants at the International Day of Peace Event at the Oyo State NOA Secretariat

Mr. Agboke who was on a Thank You Visit to the NOA to climax INEC’s Appreciation Tour to stakeholders for their support for success of the 2019 general election, appealed to NOA to sustain the cordial relationship enjoyed with the commission before and during the election. 

The event marking the United Nations’ International Day of Peace usually being celebrated every 21st of September featured presentation of award of excellence to Oyo State NOA by the Oyo State INEC REC. 

Mosope Kehinde