TUKUR COMMENDS SANWO-OLU FOR STRENGTHENING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

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… As NOA Expands Grassroots Mobilisation in Lagos

The Lagos State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support of the Agency’s operations in the state, describing the collaboration between the State Government and NOA as instrumental to deepening civic awareness and social cohesion across Lagos.

Speaking during an interview with Alausa Alert, Tukur said the enabling environment created by the Governor and the Ministry of Information and Strategy has strengthened the Agency’s grassroots mobilisation, policy communication and feedback mechanisms.

According to him, Lagos remains a model of administrative synergy, where federal and state institutions work seamlessly to promote development, peace and responsible citizenship.

“The Lagos State Government has consistently recognised the importance of strategic communication and community engagement. The support we receive has enhanced our ability to carry out our mandate effectively”, Tukur said.

He explained that the core responsibility of NOA is to communicate government policies, programmes and activities while also transmitting citizens’ feedback to policymakers for informed decision-making.

In Lagos, the Agency operates through formations in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), ensuring direct engagement at the grassroots. Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) serve as frontline representatives, submitting weekly reports that capture public reactions to policies and programmes.

These reports are forwarded to our national headquarters and shared with the Lagos State Government. They help shape policy refinement and provide insight into citizens’ concerns”, he noted.

Tukur cited waste management as an example of how NOA’s grassroots intelligence supports governance. He said the Agency documented residents’ complaints, conducted site verifications and submitted reports to relevant authorities, leading to timely interventions. The Agency has also collaborated with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to promote environmental responsibility through town hall meetings in markets and schools.

Beyond environmental advocacy, the Director revealed that NOA conducts weekly market surveys to monitor the prices of essential commodities, providing data that complements state economic planning.

On youth engagement, Tukur disclosed that the Agency has expanded its digital footprint to meet young people where they are most active – online. Through social media campaigns, short videos, radio engagements and policy explainers, NOA clarifies public policies, counters misinformation, and promotes national values.

He said the Agency also spotlights exemplary Nigerians to inspire young citizens and discourage negative social trends such as get-rich-quick schemes and irregular migration.

“In today’s communication environment, engagement must be interactive. Social media allows us to receive instant feedback, while physical town hall meetings strengthen trust and community ownership”, he said.

Tukur further highlighted the Agency’s role in promoting safe and lawful migration through partnerships with development organisations, as well as its advocacy against misinformation surrounding key national reforms.

On security, he emphasised NOA’s non-kinetic approach, which focuses on civic education and community vigilance.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We encourage residents to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant. Our officers are embedded in communities, making it easier to obtain credible grassroots information”, he stated.

The Director also underscored NOA’s contributions to social cohesion in Lagos, noting regular engagements with traditional rulers, ethnic leaders and community associations to reinforce peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the Agency ensures inclusiveness by producing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials in major Nigerian languages and by providing sign language interpretation at public events.

He added that NOA actively engages vulnerable and physically challenged communities, encouraging school enrolment and participation in public programmes, in alignment with Lagos State’s inclusive development agenda.

Tukur affirmed that the Agency operates measurable performance indicators, including structured feedback systems and follow-up verification of reported interventions to assess behavioural change and programme impact.

Reiterating his appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu, he said the continued collaboration between NOA and the Lagos State Government has strengthened civic responsibility and enhanced citizens’ trust in governance.

“Lagos has demonstrated that effective governance thrives on partnership and communication. We remain committed to supporting the State Government in promoting informed citizenship, unity and sustainable development”, Tukur said.

 

 

 

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