The Delta State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko mni, has described the role of the National Orientation Agency in mass mobilization and social engineering as a critical tool for national development and cohesion.
Bayoko gave the commendation last week when he hosted the officials of NOA, led by the Delta State Director, Mr. Chris Anyabuine on an advocacy visit on his office, in Asaba.
The Delta State HoS, termed the NOA as a powerhouse that shapes the attitudes and value orientation and reorientation of Nigerians.
On the deregulation of the downstream oil sector sensitization campaign by the agency, Bayoko told the Orientation Agency that they have a herculean task before them saying that the average Nigerian views government intentions with cynicism however good they may appear.
Also speaking on the issue of modular refinery, the Head of Service stated that it was a welcome development for the people of the Niger Delta region, describing it as a veritable avenue for wealth creation that would significantly improve the overall social and economic condition of the region.
While commending the National Orientation Agency for its relentless campaign against societal ills, the Delta HOS enjoined the Agency to collaborate with the State Directorate for Orientation, other relevant government agencies and cooperate organizations for a sustained and effective campaign adding that as public servants, their obligation is to the populace.
Earlier in his speech, the Delta State Director of NOA, Mr. Chris Anyabuine lauded the Delta State Government for its quick response to the yellow fever outbreak in some parts of the state from escalating.
Anyabuine who applauded the Delta State Government for the prompt mobilization of health officials to the affected communities, expressed optimism that the yellow fever vaccination exercise already being carried out in the affected areas, and the planned statewide vaccination exercise by the state government will contain the spread of the deadly disease.
The Director of the NOA however disclosed that the purpose of the advocacy visit was to solicit for the support and cooperation of the Head of Service for the Agency’s work plan towards its statewide campaign to eradicate open defecation.
He added that other awareness campaign of the Agency include the Federal Government policy towards the total deregulation of the downstream oil sector, campaign against sexual and gender based violence as well as the agency’s campaign against drug abuse amongst others.