A New Chapter Begins Oyo NOA Director Dr. Olukemi Afolayan Reflects on Legacy of Civic Impact, Lauds DG’s Leadership
Ibadan, May 5, 2025 — As she prepares for a new national role at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, outgoing Director of NOA in Oyo State, has credited her office’s landmark performance to the visionary leadership of the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, and the synergy of her dedicated team.
Dr. Afolayan, who has now been appointed Director of Civic, Values, and Democracy Education at the agency’s national office, made the remarks during a guest appearance on Situation Room, a popular civic engagement programme hosted by Mayor Isaac Brown on Fresh FM, Ibadan.
During her tenure in Oyo State, the NOA embarked on a series of grassroots-driven initiatives aimed at deepening civic values, countering misinformation, and fostering unity. Dr. Afolayan highlighted several of these efforts as pillars of her administration’s success.
These included regular media engagements to bridge the information gap between citizens and government, town hall meetings across all local government areas in the state, and sensitization campaigns targeting youth in higher institutions and NYSC orientation camps.
She also led the establishment of Integrity Clubs in secondary schools, an initiative designed to nurture future leaders with a strong moral compass. “We must build Nigerians to build Nigeria,” she noted, underscoring the importance of early civic education in shaping responsible citizens.
One of the standout campaigns under her watch was “Say No to Get Rich Quick Menace,” a bold effort to address the spread of Ponzi schemes and financial scams in communities. According to her, the campaign aimed to shift the public mindset away from fraudulent wealth accumulation and toward honest enterprise.
Dr. Afolayan spoke passionately about NOA’s mandate to promote feedback between the government and the governed. “One of NOA’s mandates I enjoy most is Feedback. It enables the federal government to shape up and leverage citizens’ input in policy formulation and service delivery,” she said.
She also expressed satisfaction with the rising level of public acceptance of national symbols, particularly the National Anthem. “I’m thrilled at the rate of citizens’ acceptance of the National Anthem. It’s a sign of growing national consciousness,” she added.
In her remarks, Dr. Afolayan emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among Nigerians. According to her, “We must build a society where tolerance, duty of care, and empathy are core values. These are necessary for our nation’s growth.”
The outgoing NOA director did not fail to acknowledge the role of various stakeholders—traditional rulers, civil society groups, religious leaders, and media partners—in achieving the directorate’s goals. “I seek continued collaboration from all stakeholders. We must work together to move Nigeria forward,” she urged.
Her redeployment to a strategic national role has been seen as a recognition of her work in Oyo State, with many commending her for energizing civic education and restoring public trust in the agency’s grassroots mission.
Isiaka Kehinde, Head of Media and Communication at NOA Oyo Directorate, described her leadership as “transformational” and praised her focus on integrity, inclusivity, and communication. “She leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to match,” he noted.
As Dr. Afolayan steps into her new position at the agency’s headquarters, the public awaits how she will bring her field-tested strategies and passion for civic engagement to the national stage.