The National Orientation Agency has called on Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to prioritize vigilance and security awareness during the festive Christmas and New Year period.
The agency emphasized the importance of reporting any unusual activities or unidentified individuals within communities to the appropriate security agencies for prompt intervention.
This appeal was made on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during a briefing on NOA’s ongoing nationwide sensitization campaigns.
Delivering remarks on the theme, “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values, and National Development,” the Director General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Sule Haruna, Director of Finance and Accounts at the Agency’s National Headquarters, urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts in addressing the country’s security concerns.
Issa-Onilu noted that in addition to raising awareness on security matters, the agency is also educating citizens on issues such as the dangers of the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome, human rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and the Tax Reforms Bill.
He stated, “Security remains a top priority of the government as it is required and expressed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Some of the efforts of the government to address insecurity include strengthening the security architecture, increased funding for security agencies, and expanding policing initiatives in order to improve collaboration between the citizens and law enforcement agencies.
“NOA is therefore urging the citizens to always report suspicious activities to the security agencies and be conscious of the fact that security begins with each one of us.”
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to community sensitization, Nasarawa State Director of NOA, Priscilla Gondoalour, highlighted plans for consistent outreach initiatives.
She assured residents that the agency would intensify its efforts through regular stakeholder engagements, town hall meetings, and visits to schools, religious centers, and community groups at the state and local levels.
Gondoalour explained that the agency would also conduct roadshows and social media campaigns, noting, “In all of these, the citizens will be enlightened on specific government policies and programmes as they interact through questions and answers, as well as making their inputs for nation-building.”
