The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Oyo State Directorate organized a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday at Atiba Hall, Oyo, as part of its nationwide sensitization campaign. The event focused on five key issues: the Get Rich-Quick Syndrome, Human Rights, Security Consciousness, HIV/AIDS, and Tax Reform.
The meeting brought together representatives from the four local governments in Oyo town (Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East, and Oyo West).
Dr. Kemi Afolayan, the State Director of NOA Oyo State, represented the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
In her address, Dr. Afolayan emphasized the importance of the program, reassuring citizens of the government’s commitment to national development.
She highlighted key points which include the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome of the new generation, promoting human rights through awareness programs, security consciousness, HIV/AIDS awareness and the tax reform bill.
Dr. Afolayan expressed deep concern over the growing trend among youth to achieve wealth through illicit means. She described this as a menace that threatens national development by fostering corruption, fraud, and other social vices. She urged participants to actively work towards addressing this challenge at the grassroots level.
She also underscored the importance of promoting and protecting human rights as essential to human dignity and national development. Dr. Afolayan called for increased awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities, stressing the need for mutual respect and collaboration between the government and its people.
Dr. Afolayan in her address, highlighted the ongoing government efforts to enhance national security. She encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent crimes and maintain public safety.
The Oyo NOA boss also reiterated the need for widespread education on HIV/AIDS, particularly among young people. She assured participants of government initiatives to provide free care and counselling services for people living with HIV/AIDS and discouraged stigmatization or discrimination against them.
Dr Olukemi Afolayan further explained the benefits of the new Tax Reform Bill, aimed at reducing multiple taxes while ensuring a fairer tax burden. High-income earners would pay more, while low-income earners would pay less. She also assured citizens that the reforms would lead to visible improvements in public infrastructure.
Participants at the event raised various concerns and questions, which were addressed by Dr. Afolayan. Notable contributors included: Apostle Wale Oyedemi (Oyo East CAN Chairman), Mr. Adedokun Isiaka Otolu (Oyo West CDC Chairman), Mrs. Oyediran Victoria Olufemi (Oyo East W Chairman), Mrs. Bisi Adenuga (Oyo Zone NCWS Coordinator), CSP Haruna Akinwande (DPO Durbar Division).
The program also featured goodwill messages from distinguished guests, including: Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji of Oyoland) who commended NOA for their efforts and emphasized the importance of national unity and value reorient.
CSP Haruna Akinwande (DPO Durbar Division) also raised the focus on promoting national identity and encouraged citizens to collaborate for a better Nigeria.
SRC Utipime Uko (FRSC Station Officer) in his message applauded the initiative and urged young people to participate actively in fostering national development.
SC Adewole A.O. (Rep DO NCDC Oyo East) spoke on the significance of road safety and called for greater public cooperation with law enforcement.
On his part,Prince Sola Sanda (Retired Deputy Director, NOA) lauded the program’s focus on national identity and unity, urging participants to support government initiatives.
The Chairman of the Event and Retired State Director, NOA, Mr KF Oluokun, commended the efforts of the NOA and encouraged citizens to embrace government policies aimed at national progress.
Mrs. Adewale A.O., COMO for the Afijio Local Government, expressed gratitude for the program’s success. She acknowledged the contributions of the directorate, staff, speakers, and attendees, emphasizing their collective role in making the event impactful.
In conclusion, the Town Hall Meeting effectively addressed critical societal issues and promoted community engagement towards national development. NOA’s efforts to foster value reorientation and create awareness on these pressing topics were well-received by participants, who pledged to support the agency’s mission at the grassroots level.
