Oyo NOA Urges Civic Responsibility, Endorses Student Loan Scheme
Ibadan, Oyo State – April 27, 2025
The Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reiterated its commitment to promoting national unity, civic values, and educational advancement, while backing the Federal Government’s recently launched National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The agency made its position known during a media appearance over the weekend.
Speaking on the public affairs radio program Pendulum, hosted by Ayodeji Ajisope on Solution 93.9 FM, the Oyo State Director of NOA, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to nation-building. She stressed the importance of civic responsibility and encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to demonstrate discipline, accountability, and active participation in public life.
Dr. Afolayan noted that Nigeria’s future depends on its citizens’ willingness to embrace values that foster social cohesion and inclusive development. According to her, national progress cannot be achieved without individual contributions rooted in patriotism and a shared sense of purpose.
Highlighting the agency’s ongoing initiatives, she mentioned the Village Care Project and Anti-Drug Abuse Campaigns as practical interventions aimed at improving community wellbeing and youth engagement. These programs, she said, are designed to educate and empower rural and urban communities alike, while also tackling critical social challenges.
She further explained that these initiatives are part of a broader reform strategy within the NOA, aimed at revitalizing the agency’s grassroots communication and outreach. “We are realigning our strategies to reflect present-day realities and to make civic education more relevant to people’s daily lives,” she said.
Turning attention to the Federal Government’s NELFUND loan program, Dr. Afolayan applauded the initiative as a long-awaited solution to the financial struggles faced by many Nigerian students. She explained that the scheme not only covers tuition but also includes stipends for living expenses, making it one of the most comprehensive student support programs in the country’s history.
She encouraged eligible students across the state to take full advantage of the scheme, adding that the NOA is already collaborating with tertiary institutions and government agencies to ensure that information about the loan is widely disseminated and application processes are well understood.
Dr. Afolayan also acknowledged the challenges some institutions may face in the disbursement process but assured that the NOA will continue working closely with stakeholders to resolve any bottlenecks. “We see this as more than just financial aid—it’s an investment in the nation’s human capital,” she said.
In her closing remarks, she reaffirmed the agency’s mission to promote civic consciousness, national identity, and social responsibility. “The NOA remains committed to driving civic engagement, fostering unity, and supporting the nation’s youth in becoming responsible leaders of tomorrow,” she stated.
For further information and media inquiries, the public is advised to contact Isiaka Adeniyi Kehinde, Deputy Director of Media and Communication at
the Oyo NOA office.