Key Points
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NOA seeks CSOs’ support for awareness campaigns.
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Civil groups pledge to boost grassroots sensitisation.
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Partnership aims to rebuild public trust in governance.
Nigerian civil society organizations have been urged by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to collaborate with the organization in order to raise public awareness of government initiatives and civic duties.
According to officials, the partnership is essential to restoring public confidence in government and making sure Nigerians are better informed about national policies that have an immediate impact on their daily lives.
NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu emphasized during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja that the agency cannot fulfill its mission without the involvement of civil society organizations. CSOs are in a better position to engage citizens at the grassroots level because they are closer to their communities, he said.
Issa-Onilu stated, “We want to strengthen partnerships with civil society so that sensitization campaigns do not remain at the federal level alone.” “Our objective is to guarantee that common Nigerians comprehend their civic duties and the obligations of the government.”
Civil groups are encouraged to participate in national awareness campaigns
As Nigeria struggles with issues like low voter turnout, disinformation, and public mistrust of institutions, the NOA is making a new push. Broad-based civic education, according to officials, is crucial to fostering accountability and increasing democratic participation.
A number of CSOs who attended the meeting applauded the action, stating that it highlights how crucial grassroots participation is to bolstering democratic principles. They promised to back awareness campaigns in their respective locales, especially in rural areas where people frequently feel cut off from the government.
One CSO leader emphasized the need for customized messaging that speaks to local realities, saying, “Community members need to hear from people they trust, not just from politicians in Abuja.”
Increasing trust via civic duty instruction
According to a report by the Punch news, campaigns for peaceful coexistence, voter education, and citizen participation in governance have been stepped up by the NOA in recent months. Involving CSOs, according to officials, will strengthen these initiatives and aid in bridging the gap in communication between the governed and the government.
Issa-Onilu continued, “Civil society organizations have always been crucial in influencing public opinion.” “By cooperating, we can create a better informed populace that holds leaders responsible and makes constructive contributions to the development of the country.”
According to the agency, the awareness-raising campaign will be implemented across the country, with a particular emphasis on remote locations where information availability is still restricted.
