The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Oyo State Directorate recently organized a Town Hall Meeting in Oyo to address key societal challenges as part of its nationwide sensitization campaign. The event took place on Thursday, December 13th, at Atiba Hall, Oyo, and brought together representatives from the four local governments in Oyo town—Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East, and Oyo West.
The meeting focused on five critical topics: the Get Rich-Quick Syndrome, Human Rights, Security Consciousness, HIV/AIDS Awareness, and Tax Reform. These pressing issues were addressed to create awareness and encourage grassroots efforts to promote national development and social responsibility.
Dr. Kemi Afolayan, the State Director of NOA Oyo State, represented the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, at the event. In her address, Dr. Afolayan highlighted the program’s significance and reassured citizens of the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering national growth through collective efforts.
Dr. Afolayan emphasized several key areas of concern:
Get Rich-Quick Syndrome: She expressed concerns about the trend of youths pursuing illicit means of wealth, which she described as a significant obstacle to national development. She called on participants to combat this trend through awareness and grassroots action.
Human Rights: Dr. Afolayan stressed the need to promote and protect human rights, emphasizing respect, responsibility, and collaboration between citizens and the government.
Security Consciousness: She underscored ongoing government efforts in addressing national security and called for citizen cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and supporting law enforcement agencies.
HIV/AIDS Awareness: Dr. Afolayan reiterated the importance of education on HIV/AIDS, particularly among young people, and encouraged the reduction of stigma against those affected. She also assured participants of government initiatives offering free care and counselling.
She explained the new Tax Reform Bill, noting its focus on equitable taxation by ensuring higher-income earners contribute more while easing the tax burden for lower-income earners. The reforms are anticipated to bring visible improvements to public infrastructure.
During the meeting, participants raised various questions and concerns which were addressed by Dr. Afolayan. Notable contributors included Apostle Wale Oyedemi (Oyo East CAN Chairman), Mr. Adedokun Isiaka Otolu (Oyo West CDC Chairman), Mrs. Oyediran Victoria Olufemi (Oyo East W Chairman), Mrs. Bisi Adenuga (Oyo Zone NCWS Coordinator), and CSP Haruna Akinwande (DPO Durbar Division).
The meeting featured goodwill messages from several notable figures, including:
Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji of Oyoland): Commended NOA’s efforts while emphasizing national unity and value reorientation.
CSP Haruna Akinwande (DPO Durbar Division): Praised the initiative’s focus on fostering national identity and unity.
SRC Utipime Uko (FRSC Station Officer): Urged young people to engage actively in national development efforts.
SC Adewole A.O. (Rep DO NCDC Oyo East): Highlighted the significance of road safety awareness and public cooperation with law enforcement.
Prince Sola Sanda (Retired Deputy Director, NOA) commended the Town Hall Meeting’s emphasis on national identity and unity, encouraging all participants to support government initiatives.
The event’s Chairman, Mr. KF Oluokun (Retired State Director, NOA), praised the agency’s efforts and urged citizens to embrace policies and programs that will foster national progress.
Mrs. Adewale A.O., COMO for Afijio Local Government, expressed gratitude for the meeting’s success, highlighting the collective efforts of NOA staff, speakers, and participants.
In Conclusion,the town Hall Meeting effectively addressed societal challenges and promoted community engagement toward national development. NOA’s efforts to drive value reorientation and raise awareness on critical issues were well-received, with participants pledging to support the agency’s mission at the grassroots level.