By Chidi Ugwu
The federal government has praised the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for its strong emphasis on grassroots engagement and the incorporation of technology in its operations.
The Minister for Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the commendation on Wednesday, during his address at the Expanded Management Retreat of the Agency in Abuja, where he also doubled as the Chairman of the Occasion.
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The commendation comes as the NOA continues its efforts to foster national unity, development, and positive change among citizens embracing the use of technology to enhance its operations and reach.
With its theme “Strategic Repositioning of the National Orientation Agency”, the Minister said the NOA was at the forefront of connecting the government and the grassroots, adding that the Agency had become one of the most essential tools for shaping national narratives and fostering inclusivity in the country.
Idris commended the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, for prioritising technology in the work of the agency, noting the Agency’s recently launched “The Mobiliser” app.
“Since its establishment, the NOA has earned a reputation as one of the most grassroots-oriented public agencies in the country. The National Orientation Agency is at the forefront of that connection between the government and those at the grassroots. In accomplishing its mandate, the NOA has become one of the most vital and one of the most essential tools for shaping national narratives and conversations, promoting unity against the backdrop of diversity, and fostering a sense of inclusiveness in every part of the country.
“As the world evolves, especially in the areas of modernization that will enable innovation, so have the demands and limitations confronting the NOA. The methods and strategies that were essential yesterday, may not necessarily be very effective today. I am pleased to note that the NOA, under the leadership of Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, has prioritised technology in the work of the agency in keeping with the imperatives of the 21st Century”.
“The NOA has become one of the most technology-compliant agencies in Nigeria today, specifically in the deployment of digital tools and technologies. An example that the DG himself has given is the ‘Mobiliser’ App, as well as the well-received Artificial Intelligence platform for self-awareness engagements, among other initiatives”, the Minister said.
In his address, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, outlining some of the initiatives to deliver on its mandate to foster government-citizens engagement, disclosed that the Minister launched the ‘Mobiliser App’ on the 20th of March 2024, in Kano.
He said the app, which was available on both Google PlayStore and the iOS App Store, was designed to engage with Nigerians, particularly the youth, and provided the agency with a platform to generate citizens’ feedback for the government, adding that the Agency now had its own television and radio studios, as well as a recently launched newsletter.
“The Mobiliser App is very crucial for engaging with Nigerians, particularly the Nigerian youths. The App has also strengthened our ability to deliver on our mandate to generate feedback for the government. The new NOA Television and Radio studios are also ready. The studios will enhance our ability to produce news, features analysis and sectoral programmes on government policies. The Explainer Newsletter is another engagement platform that the NOA has implemented in the last month”, he said.
The NOA has been actively involved in training community mobilization officers in all 774 local government areas (LGAs) across the country. This strategic move has enabled the agency to reach out to citizens at the grassroots level, ensuring that its messages of peace, harmony, and progress resonate with the masses.
The federal government expressed its appreciation for the NOA’s efforts, recognizing the agency’s crucial role in driving positive change and unity among Nigerians. The government’s commendation underscores the importance of grassroots engagement and technology integration in achieving national objectives.
