By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified its grassroots sensitisation campaign in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, engaging traditional institutions, community leaders, faith-based organisations, and artisans to promote civic responsibility, value reorientation, and community empowerment.
Palace Visit in Okwe
As part of the campaign, the NOA Director from Abuja Headquarters, Mr. Saturday Oriasotie, led a delegation to the palace of the Onowu of Okwe, His Royal Highness (Obi) Group Capt. Samuel N Akaraiwe (rtd). The onowu of okwe, a former Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State. He was accompanied by the Oshimili South Chief Orientation and Mobilisation Officer, Deaconess Christy I. Kunu, and other staff on Thursday, 4th of September, 2025.
The visit focused on securing the support of traditional rulers for grassroots enlightenment on critical issues, including security awareness, flood mitigation, and the Nigeria Identity Project.
The Onowu of Okwe warmly received the delegation, commending NOA’s efforts to reach rural communities. He, however, called on government to strengthen national security systems, warning against unchecked insecurity across the country. He also encouraged NOA to place grassroots empowerment at the centre of its work through sustained community sensitisation.
Reflecting on the Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) era, the traditional ruler appealed for a follow-up visit when his cabinet chiefs would be present to participate fully. He assured that his Secretary and the Councillor representing Okwe Ward 3 would spread NOA’s messages to other stakeholders ahead of the agency’s next visit.
Also speaking, a respected African Traditional Religion practitioner, Mama Alice Oyibo popularly known as Mama Okwe or Ezennwayi, lamented the absence of basic amenities in the community despite its autonomous status. She highlighted the lack of schools, health centres, maternity facilities, and good roads as pressing needs.
Faith-Based Outreach in Asaba
In Asaba, the sensitisation train moved to religious houses, with the Living Grace Evangelical Ministry (LIGEM) off Ezenei Avenue serving as a rallying point for citizen engagement.
The General Overseer of LIGEM, Pastor Victor Ahonsi, praised NOA for bringing enlightenment to the church. He noted that the exercise reached not only church members but also residents, listeners, and passers-by in the community.
Pastor Ahonsi further appealed to NOA to extend the campaign to more religious institutions, stressing that many Nigerians often miss such enlightenment sessions due to farming or business commitments.
Engagement with Artisans
The NOA team also visited artisans in Asaba, where Deaconess Christy Kunu highlighted federal government programmes such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), and TraderMoni. She reiterated the agency’s commitment to:
promoting respect for national symbols,
discouraging naira mutilation,
curbing indecent practices during graduation ceremonies, and
strengthening national unity through shared values and security awareness.
At Mammy Market, a well-known motor spare parts hub in Asaba, a leading trader, Mr. Nelson Obiora (popularly known as Boko), pledged to share NOA’s enlightenment messages during traders’ meetings.
Similarly, at Okwe Junction along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway by the Police Officers’ Mess, tricycle operators and trade leaders promised collaboration with the agency. However, they appealed for stronger government intervention in tackling insecurity, stressing that vigilante groups alone cannot address the problem.
Residents’ Concerns and NOA’s Reassurance
During the engagements, some residents voiced concerns about persistent security lapses, infrastructural deficits, and poor awareness of federal initiatives such as the NELFUND Students Loan.
In her response, Deaconess Kunu reassured participants of NOA’s resolve to sustain its grassroots engagement, describing the campaign as a long-term investment in civic enlightenment, nation-building, and the promotion of Nigeria’s core values.