NOA Rallies Stakeholders in Oyo for National Unity, Calls for Lasting Peace and Security Solutions
Ibadan, July 3, 2025 —
The Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has convened a high-level town hall meeting involving community leaders, security agencies, political groups, and other stakeholders, as part of its national campaign to promote unity, address pressing societal challenges, and foster peaceful coexistence across the country.
This significant engagement, held in Ibadan on Thursday, was aimed at deepening national cohesion by encouraging inclusive dialogue and generating practical solutions to issues threatening communal peace and national progress.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Isiaka Kehinde, Head of Media and Publicity for the NOA in Oyo State, the event marked the state’s official kick-off of a nationwide advocacy campaign for unity and stability.
In her welcome address, the State Director of NOA, Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration. She urged all present—traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, youth groups, and representatives of government institutions—to not only deliberate robustly but to also cascade the outcomes of the meeting to their respective followers.
“As leaders, we have the duty to deliver the right messages and propose workable solutions that trickle down to the grassroots,” she noted. “Our national unity, economic growth, and peaceful coexistence depend on our joint commitment to these ideals.”
The fully packed hall became a platform for meaningful conversations on pressing issues including insecurity, ethnic tension, political thuggery, and the recurring farmers-herders clashes.
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Oyo State, Otunba Ade Fagbemi, in his goodwill message, called for a more proactive role from security agencies in addressing violence and conflicts. He noted that while political thuggery is not exclusive to Oyo State, local political actors must remain committed to peace.
The Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), Dr. Morounkola Thomas, represented by Mrs. Adetunji, applauded the initiative. He lauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts in youth employment and security reform, expressing hope that more robust policies would be enacted to tackle persistent issues.
Baale of Ekotedo, Chief Dr. Taiye Ayorinde, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, made a strong case for the establishment of state policing. He argued that local knowledge of community flashpoints would make a localized security system more effective.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olubunmi Apapa, also emphasized the importance of trust and cooperation between the police and communities. He shared the toll-free emergency number 615, encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities promptly.
From the religious and moral perspective, representatives of the NSCDC, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, and other faith-based leaders advocated for a revival of communal living and value-based upbringing of children as foundational to a peaceful society.
Other notable participants included the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Oyinlola Ameringun; Chairman of the National Youth Council, Comrade Abdulsalam Kadiri; Mr. Akingbade Abiodun representing the Amotekun Corps; and Mallam Yusuf Bakare from the Fulani Herders community.
Each stakeholder contributed insights, highlighting the urgent need for mutual understanding, improved security frameworks, and community-led peacebuilding efforts.
Mrs. Akande concluded by stressing that the road to national cohesion and development must begin with sincere conversations and grassroots actions. “We must ask ourselves: Where did the rain start to beat us? Only then can we begin to heal and move forward as a united nation,” she said.
The NOA town hall meeting ended with renewed commitments from all parties to serve as ambassadors of peace and unity in their various domains, signaling hope for a more
harmonious and inclusive society.