By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) — The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Wednesday flagged off a nationwide civic engagement campaign aimed at boosting public awareness of key government policies, enhancing national security consciousness, and promoting disaster preparedness, especially flood mitigation.
The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who announced the commencement of the two-week campaign during a press conference in Abuja, noted that the initiative will cover all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with activities planned across the 774 local government areas.
Describing the campaign as “a coordinated national awakening,” Issa-Onilu said the agency is deploying over 4,000 personnel to educate Nigerians on five core areas: government policy awareness, flood preparedness, national security, values reorientation for students, and the revival of respect for national identity and symbols.
“This is not just another campaign – it touches the very heart of our identity, safety, values, and development,” he said.
He further explained the five thematic areas of the campaign, which he said focus:
1. Government Policy Awareness: Dissemination of accurate, accessible information on major government programmes, including the Students Loan Scheme, social investment initiatives, infrastructure projects, and job creation efforts.
2. Flood Mitigation & Disaster Preparedness: Community mobilisation in 27 high-risk states to clear drainage systems, follow early warning alerts, and relocate where necessary.
3. National Security Awareness: Encouragement of citizen vigilance, timely intelligence sharing, and stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies.
4. Values Reorientation for Students: Campaigns in secondary and tertiary institutions to discourage risky graduation behaviours, promoting safe and disciplined alternatives.
5. National Identity & Symbols: Reinvigoration of respect for the national flag, anthem, and pledge, as well as integration of civic education in schools.
The agency will leverage partnerships with over 176 radio stations to broadcast campaign messages in 74 local languages. Additionally, it plans to reach diverse demographic groups using over 1,000 television stations and 300 social media influencers.
The rollout will also include press briefings in all states, sensitisation activities in schools and markets, religious and community engagements, and mass media outreach in English and major Nigerian languages.
Issa-Onilu called on Nigerians to engage actively by verifying information through credible sources, cooperating with security forces, and embodying national values in their daily lives.
“We call on the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, student bodies, and community stakeholders to join hands with NOA in this historic mobilisation,” he added.
The campaign will culminate in a nationwide review of citizen feedback collected via toll-free lines and social media channels.
