Agency Commends Zulum for Strengthening Public Enlightenment Efforts

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Borno State has commended the state government, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, for its continued support and cooperation in promoting public enlightenment and community engagement across the state.

The State Director of the NOA, Michael Daniel Bdliya, told the Voice of Nigeria in Maiduguri about the agency’s efforts to educate and mobilise citizens at both state and local government levels.

Bdliya said the cooperation and support provided by the Borno State Government had significantly strengthened the agency’s ability to reach communities, particularly those affected by the security challenges arising from the Boko Haram insurgency.

He noted that the state government had provided substantial logistical support and operational equipment to security agencies involved in the fight against insurgency, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other security formations.

According to him, the support had helped to strengthen the capacity of security personnel to protect communities and restore peace across the state.

The NOA director explained that the agency works closely with the Borno State Ministry responsible for Local Government and Emirate Affairs whenever it embarks on public enlightenment campaigns.

He added that the collaboration had enabled the agency to extend its sensitisation programmes to communities, including remote areas across the state’s 27 local government areas, with particular attention given to communities that had suffered the devastating effects of Boko Haram attacks.

Bdliya said the engagements were aimed not only at educating residents but also at encouraging and reassuring them of the government’s commitment to their safety and welfare.

He added that the agency also uses the engagements to communicate measures being implemented by the Federal and Borno State Governments to alleviate the difficulties faced by residents.

The NOA State Director disclosed that the agency recently paid a special visit to the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, as part of efforts to strengthen its collaboration with the state government.

He said Tijani welcomed the agency and commended its efforts to promote peace, unity, national values and public awareness across Borno State.

According to Bdliya, the Secretary to the State Government also pledged continued support for the agency to enable it to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

He stressed that effective communication remained essential to the success of the NOA’s activities, adding that the agency makes extensive use of modern communication platforms, as well as radio and television, to reach a wider audience.

According to him, combining community-based sensitisation with mass media campaigns enables the agency to communicate government policies, security information and other important messages to citizens more effectively.

Bdliya urged residents of Borno State to continue supporting the NOA and to cooperate with its personnel during sensitisation programmes.

He said citizens’ support and cooperation were essential to enabling the agency to fulfil its mandate of promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship, national unity and public awareness across the state.

Mr Bdliya gave reassurance to residents that the NOAld cwill will will will ontinue working with government institutions, security agencies, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and the media to strengthen public enlightenment and contribute to the consolidation of peace and stability in Borno State.