INEC, NOA unite to drive national reorientation, inclusive voter education

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have pledged to deepen collaboration in promoting civic values, national reorientation, and inclusive voter education ahead of Nigeria’s future elections.

This commitment was reaffirmed during a recent strategic visit by NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Issa-Onilu emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated national effort to rebuild civic consciousness and reconnect Nigerians emotionally to their country. He noted that although his initial focus as DG was to revitalize NOA internally, he quickly recognized the broader responsibility of restoring national values through citizen engagement.

“Nation building isn’t just about roads and bridges. Without emotional and psychological connection to our country, even the best infrastructure remains meaningless,” he said.

The NOA chief highlighted the disruptive role of fake news during the last elections and stressed the need for more inclusive, grassroots-oriented voter education strategies. He showcased some of NOA’s innovations, including the use of NOA TV, radio broadcasts, and AI-powered communication platforms.

In his response, Prof. Yakubu welcomed the renewed vigour at NOA and praised its initiatives under Issa-Onilu’s leadership. He affirmed INEC’s readiness to expand joint efforts with NOA, especially in reaching youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Prof. Yakubu also reaffirmed NOA’s key role in various electoral committees, describing the agency as a vital partner in strengthening democracy through credible, people-driven electoral processes.

Both institutions agreed to work more closely on public sensitization campaigns, community outreach, and combating electoral misinformation across the country.