House committee hails NOA, pledges support towards nation-building

The House of Representatives Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics, and Values has lauded the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for its progress in driving attitudinal change and promoting national values.

During an oversight visit to the NOA headquarters, the committee, led by Honourable Steve Fatoba, evaluated the Agency’s 2024 fiscal performance and discussed preparations for the 2025 budget.

Commending the initiatives under the leadership of the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the committee noted significant improvements in the Agency’s operations over the past year.

In his presentation, the NOA Director-General provided an overview of the Agency’s financial performance, human resource management, and ongoing programs. He highlighted the Federal Executive Council-approved National Identity projects as part of efforts to institutionalize national values and attitudinal change.

Mallam Issa-Onilu emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in communicating government programs and policies effectively. He also praised the Tinubu administration for its support of the Agency’s nation-building initiatives.

“The task of communicating government policies is enormous, but with continued support from stakeholders and the government, we can achieve our goals,” Issa-Onilu said.

Honourable Fatoba assured the NOA of the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting its mandate. He stressed the importance of the Agency’s role in fostering public understanding of government activities, especially at the grassroots level.

“The government is serious about promoting attitudinal change, and the House is committed to supporting the NOA in achieving its goals,” Fatoba stated.

Committee members raised concerns about the Agency’s dwindling staff strength, inadequate accommodation for state and local government offices, and the need to enhance its visibility nationwide.

The visit also included a tour of the NOA’s upgraded communication facilities, including a newsroom, television studio, radio station, and editing suites. These enhancements have significantly boosted the Agency’s capacity to produce jingles and public service messages independently.