weThe Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) has been hailed as a pivotal initiative by the Oyo State Governor, aimed at revitalizing the state’s decaying societal values.
Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, the Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), made this commendation while welcoming Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, the Director General of OYMASED, and his team to the NOA office on Friday, August 23, 2024.
Dr. Afolayan expressed her enthusiasm about the creation of OYMASED, noting that the agency will complement NOA’s efforts in public enlightenment, social mobilization, and orientation across the state.
She emphasized that both agencies are allies, not competitors, in the quest to uplift the moral and social standards of Oyo State’s citizens. “We are not rivals but partners in progress,” she affirmed.
Praising the appointment of Dr. Morohunkola Thomas as the DG of OYMASED, Dr. Afolayan described him as a “round peg in a round hole,” acknowledging his proactive leadership since the agency’s inception.
She pledged to ensure that NOA staff across the state work in close harmony with OYMASED to achieve shared objectives. “A burden shared,” she said, “is lessened.”
Dr. Afolayan also advised OYMASED to establish Integrity Clubs in primary schools as a preventive measure against moral decline from an early age. She highlighted NOA’s success in inaugurating similar clubs in over 69 public secondary schools across the state, where students are taught the importance of national core values such as patriotism, dignity of labor, and the Yoruba “Omoluabi” principles, including respect for elders.
These teachings are communicated in the Yoruba language to maximize their impact. NOA also collaborates with market associations, youth groups, faith-based organizations, and unions to promote value renewal.
In response, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas outlined OYMASED’s commitment to partnering with NOA, ensuring the provision of timely and relevant information to facilitate seamless collaboration.
He stated that OYMASED’s mission is to boost the state’s economy and enhance productivity through the development of a well-informed and morally upright citizenry. Dr. Thomas lamented the widespread value degeneration in society and reiterated the Governor’s resolve to reverse this trend swiftly.
He highlighted several government initiatives aimed at fostering a value-based society, including support for small-scale farmers, subsidized transportation, community electrification, and other measures designed to alleviate economic hardships and encourage patriotism, hard work, and integrity.
Dr. Thomas further emphasized that OYMASED is launching an intensive campaign to guide Oyo State residents towards positive behavioral change, urging them to adhere to rules and regulations, maintain cleaner environments, avoid street trading, shun illicit drugs, and instill positive values in their children. “Shallow mentality is no longer acceptable,” he stressed.
As a symbol of the partnership, Dr. Afolayan presented the National Flag and other informational materials to the visiting Director General.
The press release was signed by Isiaka Adeniyi, Head of Media and Publicity, NOA, Oyo State.