The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has expressed concern over the encroachment of the agency's responsibilities by other government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Speaking to the media in Makurdi, he highlighted how this encroachment has been detrimental to the NOA's ability to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian populace.

Issa-Onilu emphasized that the diversion of resources from the NOA to other MDAs has hindered the agency's capacity to educate, mobilize, and sensitize Nigerians on national issues. He cited examples such as the allocation of funds for disease control and public sensitization to agencies like the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which, in his view, should fall under the purview of the NOA.

Furthermore, he pointed out the disparity between the responsibilities of institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the NOA, stating that while INEC is tasked with conducting elections, voter education – a crucial aspect of the electoral process – is within the NOA's mandate. However, he lamented that resources meant for voter education have been allocated to INEC, leading to a lack of awareness among the youth regarding electoral laws.

In response to these challenges, Issa-Onilu revealed that the NOA has initiated the CLHEEAN framework, an acronym encompassing various thematic areas such as crime, lawlessness, health, education, environment, abuse, and narcotics. This framework aims to streamline the agency's activities and facilitate collaboration with other government bodies and development partners.

To enhance its communication and engagement with the public, the NOA is in the process of establishing TV and radio studios at its headquarters. Additionally, the agency is set to launch a mobile app called "Mobilizer" with features designed to support its outreach efforts and operational effectiveness. These initiatives are part of the NOA's commitment to reinforcing its role as a key communicator of government policies and a catalyst for public enlightenment and mobilization.

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