FG hails NOA’s grassroots impact, tech innovation

The Federal Government has praised the National Orientation Agency for being one of the most technologically advanced and grassroots-focused public agencies in the country.

The Minister for Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed this during his address at the Expanded Management Retreat of the Agency in Abuja on Wednesday, where he also served as the Chairman of the occasion.

With the theme “Strategic Repositioning of the National Orientation Agency”, the minister highlighted that the NOA plays a pivotal role in connecting the government with grassroots communities, making it one of the most essential tools for shaping national narratives and fostering inclusivity across the country.

Idris commended the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, for prioritising technology within the agency, noting the recent launch of “The Mobiliser” app.

“Since its establishment, the NOA has earned a reputation as one of the most grassroots-oriented public agencies in the country. The National Orientation Agency is at the forefront of that vital connection between the government and those at the grassroots.

“In fulfilling its mandate, the NOA has become one of the most important tools for shaping national narratives, promoting unity in the face of diversity, and fostering a sense of inclusiveness across the country.

“As the world evolves, particularly in areas of modernisation that drive innovation, so too do the demands and challenges faced by the NOA. The strategies that were effective yesterday may not necessarily work today. I am pleased to note that under the leadership of Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, the NOA has embraced technology, aligning with the needs of the 21st century.”

“The NOA is now one of the most technology-compliant agencies in Nigeria, particularly in its use of digital tools. An example, provided by the Director-General himself, is the ‘Mobiliser’ app, as well as the well-received Artificial Intelligence platform for self-awareness engagements, among other initiatives,” the Minister said.

In his address, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, outlined some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing government-citizen engagement. He revealed that the Minister had launched the ‘Mobiliser App’ on the 20th of March 2024 in Kano.

He explained that the app, available on both the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store, is designed to engage Nigerians, particularly the youth, and provides the agency with a platform to gather feedback from citizens for the government. He added that the Agency now has its own television and radio studios, as well as a newly launched newsletter.

“The Mobiliser App is crucial for engaging with Nigerians, particularly the youth. It has also strengthened our ability to fulfil our mandate of generating feedback for the government. Additionally, the new NOA Television and Radio studios are now operational.

“These studios will enhance our capacity to produce news, feature analyses, and sectoral programmes on government policies. The Explainer Newsletter is another engagement platform that the NOA introduced last month,” he said.