Abuja, Nigeria – The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-onilu, yesterday received a high-level delegation from the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, at the Agency’s headquarters. The visit, part of the NDC’s rigorous coursework, aimed to provide participants with firsthand insights into the NOA’s crucial role in national development and communication.
The delegation, led by Colonel C. Amah, comprised participants from various sectors, including a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an international participant from Brazil. Their research visit underscores the growing interest in understanding effective grassroots communication strategies and national cohesion, particularly in a diverse nation like Nigeria.
Mallam Issa-onilu seized the opportunity to thoroughly explain the NOA’s operational framework and organizational structure. He highlighted the agency’s primary mandate: to serve as a vital link between the government and the citizenry, ensuring that government policies, programs, and initiatives are effectively communicated to the grassroots. He emphasized the NOA’s extensive network, which spans across all local government areas in Nigeria, enabling it to reach even the most remote communities.
“Our core mission is to bridge the communication gap,” Mallam Issa-onilu stated. “We work tirelessly to ensure that citizens understand government intentions and that their feedback, concerns, and aspirations are equally relayed back to the government. This two-way communication is essential for good governance, national unity, and sustainable development”.
The NOA’s approach involves various strategies, including community engagements, public enlightenment campaigns, civic education, and the promotion of national values and ethics. The agency often collaborates with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community-based groups to foster active citizen participation and understanding.
Colonel Amah, on behalf of the National Defence College delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the comprehensive briefing. He acknowledged the NOA’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion and fostering national cohesion, noting that the information gathered would be invaluable to their research and understanding of national security and development dynamics.
The National Defence College is Nigeria’s apex military training institution, offering strategic leadership courses to senior officers from the armed forces, paramilitary organizations, and allied countries, as well as high-ranking government officials. Such visits form a critical part of their curriculum, providing participants with practical knowledge and exposure to the workings of key government agencies.
