Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improving the quality of life for Nigerians, particularly targeting vulnerable and low-income households.
Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, Issa-Onilu outlined the ongoing nationwide public enlightenment campaign focusing on five key thematic areas. These include flood prevention measures, raising awareness on national security to foster safer communities, government policies and programs, the Nigerian Identity Project alongside national symbols, and a reorientation program promoting national values among secondary and tertiary students to discourage extremist behaviours.
Regarding government initiatives, Issa-Onilu highlighted that over two million families registered under the Social Safety Nets Expansion have benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme. He also introduced the launch of the Trader Moni and Farmer Moni schemes under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which provide interest-free loans of up to 100,000 Naira for traders and up to 300,000 Naira for farmers.
On educational support, the NOA chief shared that the Tinubu administration has allocated 59 billion naira to assist more than 600,000 students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This fund is designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder qualified Nigerians from pursuing tertiary education.
Also Read: Kumuyi Drops Strict Deeper Life Marriage Rules
Additionally, under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, efforts are underway to renovate 700 rural schools nationwide, aimed at improving educational facilities in underserved areas. The government has also earmarked 110 billion Naira to empower 150,000 youths through the National Youth Investment Fund, managed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth and other partners.
Represented by Mrs. Rebecca Nasamu, Director of General Services at NOA Headquarters, the agency emphasised the importance of flood-prone states adhering strictly to flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). She recalled a Presidential directive allocating 3 billion Naira per state in 2024 to support drainage clearing and resettlement initiatives as part of flood mitigation efforts.
Issa-Onilu further outlined significant strides in bolstering Nigeria’s security framework, including the creation of specialised military units for rapid response, as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff. The Armed Forces are enhancing their capabilities with the deployment of drones, armoured vehicles, advanced surveillance technologies, and have increased manpower with over 15,000 new security personnel nationwide.
“Our goal is to reach at least three million Nigerians across all states through comprehensive security awareness programs. These will include media campaigns, market and motor park outreach, rallies, town hall meetings, advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders, roadshows, and various community engagements,” Issa-Onilu explained.
Delta State NOA Director, Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, assured that the agency would continue to educate citizens on government policies and initiatives while gathering public feedback to inform government interventions.
