NOA SEEKS LAND, OPERATIONAL VEHICLES FOR SOUTH-EAST LIAISON OFFICE IN ANAMBRA. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

NOA Seeks Land, Operational Vehicles for South-East Liaison Office in Anambra

By Okafor Nwakaego Loretta

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to the Anambra State Government to allocate a parcel of land for the construction of its South-East Zonal Liaison Office and provide operational and utility vehicles to enhance the agency's operations in the state.

The South-East Zonal Director of NOA, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, made the appeal on July 24  during an advocacy visit to the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo, at the Government House, Awka. She commended the Soludo administration for its infrastructural development and prudent management of the state's resources.

Maduekwe said the agency's Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, would soon pay a courtesy visit to Gov. Soludo as part of his nationwide familiarisation tour of NOA offices. She also called for stronger collaboration between the agency and the state government to promote national values, civic responsibility and youth development.

She expressed concern over what she described as the erosion of the values of hard work, integrity and enterprise among youths, urging Ndigbo to revive their entrepreneurial spirit and reclaim the ideals that once distinguished the region.

Responding, Nwankwo advised the agency to formally notify the state government ahead of the Director-General's visit and requested details of the proposed liaison office, including the size and design of the land required. He noted that land remained scarce in Anambra due to the devastating effects of erosion.

The Chief of Staff described partnership with NOA as necessary, saying the agency has a critical role in promoting national unity and communicating government policies. He urged Nigerians to regard the country's diversity as a strength while working together to address national challenges and harness available opportunities.

Nwankwo also called for the revival of the Igbo apprenticeship system, popularly known as Igba Boyi, describing it as a proven model for entrepreneurship and wealth creation. He assured the delegation that Gov. Soludo would be fully briefed on the agency's requests and the proposed visit of the NOA Director-General.

Earlier, the Anambra State Director of NOA, Barr. Ifeoma Chijioke, thanked the Chief of Staff for receiving the delegation and commended the Soludo administration's "Aka Aja Aja Na Ebute Onu Manu Manu" initiative. She said the agency had expanded its Community Engagement Forums across the state, with six communities already covered, and appealed for the state's support in facilitating an audience between Gov. Soludo and the NOA Director-General during his planned visit.