Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government has pledged support for the National Orientation Agency’s civic education, security awareness and election sensitisation campaign ahead of the forthcoming general elections in Ogun State
Ado-Odo/Ota LG, NOA Strengthen Partnership on Civic Education, Security and Election Awareness
The Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, has pledged his administration’s support for the National Orientation Agency’s civic education and public enlightenment programmes, describing accurate information as critical to national development and peaceful elections.
Wasiu gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Ogun State management team of the National Orientation Agency, led by its State Director, Mrs. Aishat Bolanle Tiamiyu, during a courtesy visit to his office. The visit focused on strengthening collaboration on civic education, national values, security awareness and preparations for the forthcoming general elections, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Media Council Chairman and made available to NewsHeadline247.
Welcoming the delegation, the council chairman described Ado-Odo/Ota as Ogun State’s most industrialised local government and the state’s economic backbone, noting that its large and diverse population makes the agency’s role in educating and mobilising citizens even more significant.
He commended the National Orientation Agency for promoting patriotism, responsible citizenship and public enlightenment, insisting that misinformation remains one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges.
“If the National Orientation Agency effectively carries out its mandate, Nigeria can become a greater nation because one of our greatest challenges is the lack of genuine information. Many people are misled because they do not fully understand government policies and how they benefit society. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to making our nation better,” Wasiu said.
Earlier, Tiamiyu said the agency was established to bridge the gap between government and citizens through public enlightenment, civic education and value re-orientation, stressing that nation-building requires commitment from both government and the people.
She disclosed that the agency would soon begin a statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation campaign ahead of the forthcoming general elections to educate residents on voting procedures, prevention of void votes, political party symbols and appropriate conduct before, during and after elections.
The state director appealed to the local government to support the exercise, noting that poor voter education and low turnout often undermine the huge public investment made in election materials.
On security, Tiamiyu said the agency had intensified community-based awareness campaigns, urging residents to know their neighbours, remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies because security is everyone’s responsibility.
She also highlighted the agency’s National Value Charter, popularly known as “7 for 7,” which promotes patriotism, integrity, discipline and responsible citizenship, alongside its Rule of Law campaign designed to simplify constitutional provisions and improve public understanding of citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Responding, Wasiu said sustained public orientation remains essential to tackling growing social challenges, particularly the rising incidence of cultism among young people, including pupils, students and artisans.
He urged the agency to deepen its engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations and other grassroots stakeholders capable of influencing public attitudes and behaviour positively.
The chairman also encouraged traditional institutions to uphold merit, integrity and exemplary character in the conferment of chieftaincy titles, describing traditional rulers as custodians of societal values.
Acknowledging the agency’s funding and logistical constraints, Wasiu said its responsibilities deserved stronger institutional backing.
“I am an accountant by profession and I understand the importance of prudent resource management. My decision to join politics was never for financial gain but to serve humanity. Because of the strategic importance of the National Orientation Agency, my administration will continue to provide the necessary support within our capacity to ensure the Agency succeeds in its mandate,” he said.
He further pledged to advocate increased support for the agency at the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria meeting to encourage stronger collaboration across Ogun State’s 20 local governments.
Wasiu also assured the agency of the council’s readiness to partner in the forthcoming stakeholders’ sensitisation programme and advised it to work closely with the Community Development Department of the local government to ensure effective planning and successful implementation of the initiative.
The chairman received the delegation alongside the Supervisor for Water Resources and Management Services and the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ogunronbi Oloyede.
The NOA delegation included Tiamiyu, Deputy Director of Community Outreach and Development Mrs. Toyin Oluwa, Assistant Director of Civic Values and Democracy Education Mrs. Philomena Olaiya, Internal Auditor Mr. Olusegun Tabi-Agoro, Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer for Ado-Odo/Ota Mr. Ogungbayi Shakiru, Assistant Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer Mrs. Folowosere Olawunmi, and the agency’s Media Officer, Mr. Tosin Oshin.
