MCCDA attends Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting on the Nationwide Campaign of the National Orientation Agency
By Moses Zungdet
The Mhiship Community and Cultural Development Association (MCCDA) led by it’s Vice President, Mrs Mildred Mbohok attended a Stakeholders Town Hall meeting on the Nationwide Campaign of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat in Jos, Plateau State
This program is part of the NOAs ongoing nationwide campaign to engage citizens, strengthen partnerships and build shared responsibility for national development, centered along five (5) thematic areas namely;
1. Government Policies, Programmes and Activities – creating awareness on government initiatives and citizen benefits.
2. Flood Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness – empowering citizens with knowledge on early warnings and safety measures.
3. National Security Awareness – encouraging vigilance, intelligence sharing, and community cooperation.
4. National Values Re-Orientation (Students & Youth) – instilling patriotism, civic responsibility, and discipline in young people.
5. The Nigerian Identity Project and National Symbols – strengthening national pride and respect for symbols of unity.
Flagging off the program, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mrs. Olubukola Olorunfemi, Director of Community Outreach and Development, NOA Headquarters Abuja, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to carrying every Nigerian along in the process of nation-building, urging citizens to take ownership of the campaign for peace, unity, and progress.
The Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, emphasized that this stakeholders forum will provide a platform for dialogue, collective problem-solving, and the exchange of ideas on how to effectively implement these initiatives within our communities.
HIGHLIGHTS
Key submissions were received from the following:
1. Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet): Victor Kazacha spoke on effect of climate change and resultant rain falls which are causing floods and other health challenges. He urged for the need for us to clear our drainages and engage in acts that will help secure the environment.
2. Ministry of Education: The Commissioner of Education, Dr Kachollom Gang, represented by the Director of planning, research and statistics talked about the resolutions of the ministry on sign outs, use of textbooks as workbooks and issues of forced lessons which are effectively banned.
3. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): Plateau State Coordinator , Mrs Judith Bai talked about their agencies roles in providing support to victims of natural disasters while cautioning us on the need to do our best to protect our surroundings.
4. Security Agencies:
a. Nigerian Army: PRO of Operation Enduring Peace, Major Zhakom Samson on behalf of the GOC, Plateau State spoke about the need for collaboration for lasting peace on the Plateau reiterating that NOA is very vital in entrenching trust between the armed forces and citizens. He also encouraged communities to have early warnings mechanisms in place, provide timely and accurate information, and cautioned on the wrong use of social media and the spread of fake news.
JTF Toll free numbers 08000020203
b. Nigeria Police Force: ACP Victor Elias representing the Commissioner of Police, Plateau state reiterated the mandate of the police to prioritize the safety and security of lives and properties and appreciated the NOA for the 5 thematic areas of discourse. He encouraged all to participate in community policing initiatives.
Police toll free numbers: 07059473022, 08038907662
This meeting brought together community leaders, civil society, security agencies, educational Institutions, youth groups and students, traditional and religious leaders, the media and other critical stakeholders.
The interactive session gave participants the opportunity to ask questions, share opinions, and express gratitude to the DG and NOA for bringing enlightenment and change directly to the grassroots through this physical stakeholder engagement.
