NOA, Amotekun Forge Alliance to Deepen Security Awareness in Oyo Communities
In a renewed effort to foster safety and promote grassroots security consciousness, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State Directorate, has initiated a strategic partnership with the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps. The collaboration began with a courtesy visit by the NOA team to the Amotekun headquarters in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Leading the delegation, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, NOA’s State Director, explained that the purpose of the visit was to explore collaborative frameworks aimed at improving public security awareness across all communities in the state. She stated that the NOA has been actively engaged in non-kinetic security education across the 33 local government areas using indigenous languages to reach the grassroots effectively.
Dr. Afolayan emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and that institutions like NOA and Amotekun must work together to build a safer society. She praised the Amotekun Corps for their effective community policing strategies, which she described as crucial in addressing emerging security challenges in local communities.
She further highlighted the importance of a formal synergy between both agencies to strengthen information dissemination and behavioral change campaigns that could reduce insecurity. According to her, a well-informed public is more likely to participate actively in local security initiatives.
In his response, the State Commandant of Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (Rtd), welcomed the NOA team warmly and commended the agency’s grassroots mobilization strategies. He noted that since the appointment of Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu as NOA’s Director General, the agency has taken a more proactive approach in community outreach and public enlightenment.
Col. Olayanju acknowledged that the fight against insecurity requires not just enforcement but also education and citizen involvement. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with NOA would enhance Amotekun’s efforts in mobilizing communities and fostering trust between security operatives and the people.
As part of the symbolic gesture to cement the collaboration, Dr. Afolayan presented the Commandant with several campaign materials, including the National Identity Project handbook, mini national flags, branded face caps promoting security consciousness, and public awareness explainers. These, she said, would aid the Corps in carrying out joint sensitization campaigns.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to sustained partnership through regular engagement, community outreach, and joint campaigns focused on crime prevention, national values, and responsible citizenship. Both agencies agreed to integrate their strengths to drive security education initiatives in a way that resonates with local realities.
This partnership marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between enforcement and civic education, signaling a more inclusive approach to community safety in Oyo State.