By Joy Salami
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign tailored towards addressing critical issues such as HIV/AIDS, security, ethical values, human rights, and tax reforms.
The Kogi leg of the event was flagged off at the NOA office in Lokoja under the watch of the Director General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Kogi State NOA Director, Mr. Patrick Edogbaya.
In his address, Mr. Edogbaya emphasised the significance of the campaign’s theme, “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values, and National Development.” noting that the initiative aims to mobilise citizens towards creating a healthier, more secure, and ethically conscious society.
“These issues affect every Nigerian, and their resolution requires the active participation of everyone,” he stated.
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Highlighting the importance of the campaign’s alignment with the just celebrated World HIV/AIDS Day, Edogbaya reiterated the government’s commitment to providing free and accessible HIV testing, counseling, and treatment across the country. He urged Nigerians to leverage available healthcare services while combating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
On the issue of security, Edogbaya called on citizens to play their part in ensuring community safety. While the government has strengthened security infrastructure and expanded law enforcement collaboration, he stressed that vigilance and cooperation with security agencies remain critical. “Security begins with you and me,” he remarked, urging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.
The campaign also targets the growing menace of the get-rich-quick syndrome, particularly during the festive season. Edogbaya warned against resorting to criminal activities to achieve financial success, highlighting the government’s efforts through youth empowerment programs and skill acquisition initiatives.
He appealed to citizens to embrace integrity, hard work, and government-supported opportunities for self-improvement.
In commemoration of World Human Rights Day, the NOA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens’ dignity and ensuring justice for all. Edogbaya outlined measures taken by the government to address human rights violations, including the establishment of support centers for survivors of abuse and strengthened legal frameworks to tackle gender-based violence and child trafficking.
He encouraged Nigerians to respect the rights of others while fulfilling their civic responsibilities.
Addressing tax reforms, Edogbaya explained the government’s efforts to simplify taxation and make the system fairer.
The new tax reform bills, he said, aim to eliminate multiple taxation, support low-income earners, and channel tax revenue into essential public services. “These reforms are designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring that everyone contributes fairly to national development,” he added.
The NOA also called on stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations, to amplify the campaign’s messages and engage grassroots communities. The media was recognized as a critical partner in ensuring that the sensitization efforts reach all corners of the state and beyond.
Concluding his remarks, Edogbaya emphasized that the success of the campaign depends on collective responsibility. “The government is doing its part, but no government can succeed alone,” he said. “Together, we can build a Nigeria that is healthy, secure, and united in purpose.”
The sensitization campaign will continue across Kogi State, utilizing various messaging platforms to reach diverse audiences and foster a nationwide movement for change.
