The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement to address critical issues central to nation-building, in line with its ongoing nationwide campaign. The dialogue focused on five thematic areas: government policies and programmes, flooding and disaster preparedness, value reorientation for students against extreme “sign out” practices, and respect for Nigeria’s identity and national symbols.
The event, which attracted notable stakeholders from across the state, underscored a shared commitment to strengthening civic responsibility and upholding national values.
In his welcome address, the Ondo State Director of NOA, Mr. James Adekunle, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their participation. He explained that the engagement became necessary in light of pressing national challenges, noting that collective effort remains vital to achieving meaningful change.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged stakeholders to prioritize value reorientation, particularly by tackling the disturbing trend of extreme “sign out” practices in secondary and tertiary institutions, drug abuse, and other social vices, which he described as alien to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Represented by the Director of Civic, Values, and Democracy Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Olukemi Afolayan, he emphasized the urgent need to instill positive values in young people as a safeguard for the nation’s future.
Dr. Afolayan also sensitized participants at the Town Hall meeting on ongoing government interventions aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, such as NELFUND, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), GEEP, the National Youth Investment Fund, and the SUPA Project, among others.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on NSIP, Barr. Alonge; the Iyaloja of Akure Land; religious leaders; youth leaders; and traditional rulers. They all commended NOA’s ongoing efforts, describing them as timely and strategic in reversing the decline in national values while reinforcing unity, identity, and civic pride.
In a related development, Dr. Afolayan, who represented the Director General of NOA during her visit to Ondo State, also featured on the Owuro Lawa programme of the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, Akure. She enlightened residents on the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, flood disasters, and poverty through various interventions.
She further commended the Ondo State Government for banning graduation parties across primary and secondary schools in the state, describing the policy as a positive step toward curbing excesses and promoting responsible celebration among young people.
