NOA Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration in Nation-Building
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering closer ties with the media to ensure citizens are well-informed and actively participate in governance.
Alhaji Ali Audu, the newly appointed Zonal Director of the NOA, North-East Directorate, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Yobe State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday in Damaturu.
Audu, who expressed appreciation to the NUJ for the warm reception, described the media as a critical partner in nation-building, particularly in the North-East where challenges of insecurity and misinformation persist.
“We will collaborate to ensure that citizens are well-informed and can actively participate in governance.
“Through strategic media engagement, the NOA seeks to bridge the gap between government and the people by providing timely and accurate information,” he said.
The zonal director said the agency’s mandate to promote patriotism, national unity, and value reorientation would be better achieved through active media collaboration.
He emphasised the importance of using media platforms to educate the public on government initiatives, such as the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the NUJ, through its professionalism and resilience, has continued to play a vital role in peacebuilding and public enlightenment in the region.
Audu outlined key areas of intended collaboration including joint campaigns on value reorientation, combating the “get-rich-quick” syndrome, and promoting messages of peace and national integration.
“As the Zonal Director, I am committed to strengthening the partnership between NOA and the NUJ in promoting responsible citizenship and national development,” he said.
He also lauded the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni for strides made in areas such as security, education, healthcare, and empowerment, describing them as commendable and inspirational.
In his response, Mr. Rajab Mohammed, Chairman of the NUJ Yobe State Council, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in the state to professionalism and responsible reporting.
“We are not social media influencers; we are conventional media practitioners who operate on the principles of truth, fairness, and balance
“Journalists in Yobe are doing their best, and we are ever ready to partner with the NOA in driving development-focused communication,” Mohammed said.
The visit marks a renewed commitment to enhancing communication efforts in the region and ensuring the media continues to serve as a vital tool for enlightenment, accountability, and peacebuilding.
