The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State Directorate, has called on media practitioners to scale up efforts in disseminating accurate and verified information as a critical strategy for combating misinformation and deepening public enlightenment across the state.
The call was made on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, during a live radio programme, The Compass, aired on IBR 92.5 FM, Akobo, Ibadan, where the Agency underscored the importance of sustained media collaboration in promoting national values and informed citizenship.
Speaking on the programme, the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Communications of NOA in Oyo State, Alhaji Isiaka Kehinde, represented the State Director, Mrs. Ajolayo Simiat Akande. He stressed that the media remains a central pillar in shaping public opinion and correcting false narratives in society.
Alhaji Kehinde noted that the increasing spread of misinformation and misconceptions poses a serious threat to informed decision-making, social harmony, and national development. According to him, distorted information can mislead citizens, undermine trust in institutions, and weaken civic responsibility if not properly addressed.
He explained that the Agency has adopted a robust multimedia communication strategy to ensure timely, factual, and audience-specific information reaches Nigerians at all levels. These strategies, he said, include radio and television programmes, public service jingles, social media engagement, and extensive community outreach initiatives.
The Deputy Director revealed that NOA has produced more than 78 jingles in various local languages, which are currently being aired across 198 radio stations nationwide. This approach, he added, ensures that government policies and civic messages are communicated in a language the people easily understand.
He further disclosed that the Agency is leveraging modern technology through the deployment of artificial intelligence–powered tools such as CHLEEAN, the Explainer, and the Mobilizer app to expand its reach and enhance citizen engagement, especially among young and digitally active populations.
According to him, NOA also provides interactive platforms, including toll-free telephone lines and active social media channels, to encourage feedback, dialogue, and inclusiveness in governance communication.
Alhaji Kehinde attributed the renewed vibrancy in the Agency’s operations to the leadership of the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu. He said the DG’s revalidation processes and value-based campaigns have repositioned NOA as a strategic institution for national reorientation and value rebirth.
He added that the Agency works closely with grassroots structures and community leaders to help citizens distinguish between fake information and verified facts, thereby strengthening public trust and promoting social cohesion.
The Deputy Director also cited the contributions of notable national figures, including former Minister of Finance, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, whose participation in the Agency’s Explainer newsletter reflects the growing credibility and influence of NOA’s communication platforms.
He emphasized that such engagements demonstrate the Agency’s commitment to providing authoritative perspectives on national issues and fostering informed public discourse.
In his closing remarks, Alhaji Kehinde commended media organizations and practitioners in Oyo State for their continued partnership and professionalism in reporting NOA’s programmes and activities.
He urged the media to remain steadfast, objective, and patriotic in their reportage, noting that accurate information dissemination remains indispensable to national unity, democratic growth, and sustainable development.