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Polls: NOA to commence nationwide sensitisation to curb voided votes

Polls: NOA to commence nationwide sensitisation to end vote buying

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Sensitisation
Abuja, Jan. 7, 2018 (NAN) Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), says the agency is set to commence nationwide sensitisation against vote buying, selling and the challenges of voided votes.

Abari told newsmen on Monday in Abuja that the aim of the campaign was to ensure a peaceful general election.

“As you all are already aware, we are at the threshold of yet another general election which should distinctly showcase the maturing process of our democracy.

“We are empowered by law to engage the citizenry in sensitisation of the electoral process.

“This 2019 election has its own peculiarity, because this is the first time in our political history that we have about 91 political parties contesting in an election.

“It is good for the citizens to know the candidates standing for electoral positions, the political parties and their logos; NOA needs to enlighten the electorate about the process.

“This is because we use to have thousands of voided votes that should have been counted but were invalid; these voided votes led to litigation and violence in the past.

“The national campaign will commence on Jan. 9, 2019, with a national flag-off which will hold in Owerri, the Imo State Capital,’’ Abari said.

The NOA boss explained the that the agency has fully mobilised its staff in the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 Local Government Areas to carry out mass sensitisation to address the three critical issues.

He emphasised that the three issues were reducing the challenges of voided votes, sensitisation for peaceful general elections and sensitisation against vote buying and selling.

“In implementation of this mass sensitisation, our implementation strategies include jingles on TV and Radio, mass distribution of flyers and posters, community engagement sessions in the 774 local government areas.

“Others are community engagement sessions by our 37 State Directors in their various states, Zonal sensitisation sessions to be led by NOA Directors at the Headquarters and National flag-off to be held at the geo-political zones,’’ he said.

According to Abari, it is no longer news that election in Nigeria are sometimes characterised by large numbers of voided votes.

He stressed that it is quite often the case that a lot of our voters especially in the rural areas are not exposed to adequate continuous voter education.

Abari maintained that voters’ education will equip the electorate with knowledge to express their rights to vote by voting correctly at elections.

“Many of our voters express frustration that their votes will not count. This no doubt contributes to voter apathy and low turnout of voters at elections,’’ he said.

The NOA boss explained that the target audience would include traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion moulders, youth groups and civil society organisations.

Other stakeholders are women groups, people living with disability, community based organisations, political parties and organised labour.

According to Abari, the purpose is to raise awareness among influencers who would be expected to carry the message to their various spheres of influence.

“The date for the sensitisation will be as follows: North East will be on Jan.15; North Central is Jan.16; North West Jan. 18; South East will be Jan. 14; South West Jan. 16, and South South on Jan.16.

“I call upon all stakeholders to support NOA men on the field with personnel and available resources as we carry out this nationwide task,’’ said the director-general. (NAN)
CMY/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

HIV/AIDS: UNICEF, NOA scales up advocacy among Nasarawa adolescents

HIV/AIDS: UNICEF, NOA scales up advocacy among Nasarawa adolescents
By Awayi Kuje
HIV/AIDS
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Aug. 29, 2018 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says it is alarmed with the high prevalent rate of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Nigeria and is engaging relevant stakeholders to combat the menace.
Mr Rabiu Musa, the Communication Officer of UNICEF, Kaduna Filed Office, made this known on Wednesday in Keffi at a meeting with media executives in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Musa said the fund was partnering with the National Orientation Agency, State Governments, media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, healthcare experts and civil society organisations, among others, to enlighten youths on the dangers of the scourge.
He said the collaboration was focused on the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and HIV/AIDs in order to tackle the spread scourge in the country.
According to him, the aimed of the meeting was to provide knowledge/orientation to media executives on PMTCT, AYP and HIV/AIDs situation so as to tackle the menace in the country.
“The aim is also to review and document programme of the media and organisations in the state in supporting the dissemination of PMTCT, AYP/HIV and AIDS messages.
“To leverage airtime and produce links for dissemination of PMTCT, AYP/HIV and AIDS messages.
“And also to develop media plans by the participating media houses for implementation,“ he said.

The official therefore enjoined the participants to appreciate the magnitude of and map out strategies on how to address the challenges on PMTCT, and Adolescent and Young Persons (AYP) in the society.
Besides, Musa called on the media to upscale to educate the public on the dangers of the scourge considering its negative effect to societal development.
He restated the commitment of UNICEF to continue to partner the state and other organisations in order to tackle the scourge in the country.
“We want to work towards addressing HIV/AIDS in Nasarawa State as the state that is one of the growing states in terms of HIV/AIDs,” he said.
Alhaji Galadima Soba, the Kaduna State Director of NOA, urged the participants to develop a good media plan for implementation and use of existing programmes for effective dissemination of PMTCT, AYP, HIV and AIDS messages worldwide.
Soba, who was represented by the state’s Deputy Director, Human Resources and Finance, Malam Hamza Audu, called for more systematic and improved packaging of the various messages in more effective ways on awareness creation of PMTCT, AYP, HIV and AIDS.
“I am optimistic that with the right attitude and inputs of the calibre of the participants here-present to develop a good media plan for implementation and use of existing programmes for effective dissemination of PMTCT, AYP, HIV and AIDS messages worldwide,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was climaxed with an overview of HIV/AIDS in Nasarawa State and shared experiences from Kaduna State, among others. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

NOA partners NIMC to sensitise public on national identity card

NOA partners NIMC to sensitise public on national identity card

DG, NOA Dr Garba Abari (Left) and Engr Aliyu Aziz, DG NIMC

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Collaboration
Abuja, May 28, 2018 (NAN) Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), says the agency is collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to sensitise the public to enrol in the National Identity system.
Addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Abari said it has become empirical to embark on massive sensitisation of citizens for them to understand the importance of enrolling in the identity management system.
He stressed that the multiplication of sources where there are different organisations collating data differently was not healthy to achieve a central database.
“We have to take the campaign to the grassroots because when it comes to getting bio-data of citizens, some people begin to suspect that it is for political purpose or taxes.
“We are poised to change this perception; sharing flyers and talking on TV and radio alone is not enough. Talking to them directly by their own people will help convince them.
“The information will have credibility because the person giving them the information will be their own son or daughter.
“In also changing their mindset, the identity number should be the main thing not the card, because the number is what make the difference; that is what is captured,’’ Abari said
The NOA boss said that information about outlets for enrolment was also important, adding that people come from far distance to the NIMC headquarters because they are not informed about other outlets.
Abari emphasised that local government secretariats, places of worship and community halls could also be used as enrolment centres to encourage residents to participate.
“Even on market days, enrolment can be done; these are the areas of partnership we would like to have with NIMC; we have provided several outlets for other government agencies.
“We can do same for NIMC to encourage massive enrolment in the National Identity Management System. It will also help in harmonisation of database of the various agencies,’’ Abari said.
Responding, Mr Aliyu Aziz, the Director-General of NIMC, said that the agency would leverage on both government and private sector to achieve its mandate.
He assured that agency would create more enrolment centres across the country.
“We will involve the State and Local Governments in getting bio-data of the citizens.
“We are also be collaborating with banks across the country to get Bank Verification Number of citizens to enrich our database. About three million of them are being processed.
“We hope to enrol additional 50 million Nigerians before the end of 2018 and also scale up the number of centres from 900 to 4,000,’’ Aziz said.
The NIMC director-general said those that lost their slips could come back for a reprint at the cost of N500, adding the agency also carries out authentification and modification of data.
According to him, the National Identity Number (NIN) of a person cannot be given to another instead it can only be rested when the person is dead.
He explained that the agency is also relying on National population Commission for death and birth registration.
He explained that the commission has started enrolling children between the ages of zero to 16.
However, Aziz said that either of the parents of the child needs to register so the child could be captured under the parent.
“But when the child is above 16, he or she will come back for an update,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that newsmen were taken on a brief tour to the Network Operating System, Central System Storage, Cooling and Cards Process units of NIMC during the visit. (NAN)
CMY/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

We are committed to restoring our lost values—Ganduje

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje

Values
By Tukur Muntari
Kano, March 15, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has called on individuals and Corporate organisations to partner with the state government in its effort to restore lost societal values.

He made the call at the launching of the Domestication of the ‘Change Begins With Me’ held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano on Thursday.

He said the decision by the government to domesticate the programme was borne out of its resolve to re-orientate the people with a view to ensuring a better society.

“Even though the ‘Change Begins With Me’ was a brain-child of the Federal Government, it is a societal re-orientation programme aimed at facilitating the revival of our cherished values,” he said.

According to him, it is the responsibility of traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to ensure that every Nigeria embrace the necessary change for the betterment of the society.

“Everyone must realise that it is our responsibility to ensure changes in our attitude for the good of our state and the country,” he said.

He said it was in line with his administration’s effort to discourage the youth from engaging in social vices, the state government introduced a number of empowerment programmes in the state.

He said the state government had also set up a committee to check drug abuse especially among women and youths in the state.

He said the committee would ensure that all those behind the importation of the illicit drugs and other substances in the state were apprehended and prosecuted.

Earlier, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari represented by state Director, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu pledged to support the state government for the success of the campaign.

“Change does not just happened but you and I must change our attitudes.

“To change the country for the better we must our attitudes, encourage the citizens to love one another and encourage the youth to respect leaders,“ he said.

NAN reports that among other personalities that spoke at the occasion include the state police Commissioner, Mr Rabi’u Yusuf, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II and prominent Islamic scholars. (NAN)
MTM/IS/
=======

Health

Monkey Pox: NOA harps on regular hand washing

Monkey Pox: NOA harps on regular hand washing NAN-HG-11
Hand washing
By Martha Agas
Jos, Oct. 20, 2017 (NAN) Mr Bulus Dabit, Plateau Director, National Orientation Agency, has called on Nigerians to embrace constant hand washing in homes and public places to promote healthy living among the populace.
Dabit made the call in Jos on Friday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The director said that the call became pertinent in view of the outbreak of monkey pox in Bayelsa and its spread to parts of the country.
“We urge a change of attitude through a quick return to the habit of hand-washing for protection against infectious diseases that could undermine personal and public health.
“This is also necessary in view of the possible spread of the monkey pox viral disease and other diseases which can spread through infected hands.
“We implore all schools, homes and public places to resume this practice of using clean water to wash hands with soap; before and after eating and after using the toilet.
“We also advise children to wash hands after playing and when back from school,’’ he said.
He wondered why some Nigerians had relaxed the practice after the 2014 Ebola scourge.
Dabit insisted that hand washing, using sanitiser and washing and cooking food in good hygienic conditions have health, spiritual and social benefits.
NAN reports that monkey pox, a rare viral disease, occurs primarily in remote areas of Central and West Africa near tropical rain forests transmitted to people by various wild animals.
The Federal Government had announced that there were 74 suspected cases across 11 states of the federation with only three confirmed cases in Bayelsa.
It said 12 suspected cases in Bayelsa tested negative and four tested negative in Lagos.
Monkey pox is transmitted to humans through animals like monkeys, rodents, rats, squirrels amongst others.
Nigerians are advised to be cautious to avoid close contact with blood, body fluids or mucosal lesions of affected persons and thoroughly cook all animal products before eating. (NAN)
MAA/MOL/MST
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

NOA tasks Nigerian women on formidable gender group

NOA tasks Nigerian women on formidable gender group

NAN-HG-10

Women

Bauchi, March 9, 2017 (NAN) The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian women at home and in Diaspora to collaborate and form a formidable gender group.

The Acting Director of the agency NOA in Bauchi State, Alhaji Nuru Kobi, gave the task in a statement issued by his Public Relations Officer, Mr Shuaibu Danjuma, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day on Thursday in Bauchi.

Kobi said Nigerian women lacked the spirit of collaboration and support for one another which would enable them attain positions of authority.

He said women globally are talented in their areas of professionalism, adding that such talents should be channelled into productive ventures.

Kobi decried the low level of women participation in politics, saying it is one of the major reasons women were often relegated.

He therefore advised the women folk to, irrespective of socio-economic and cultural background, support each other in all endeavours to achieve their goals. (NAN)

AE/CEO/MST

Edited by Chidi Opara/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

NOA alert Kwara residents on security

NOA alert Kwara residents on security

NAN-H-62

Security

By Usman Aliyu

Ilorin, Jan. 9, 2017 (NAN) The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on residents of Kwara to be on security alert more than ever in the wake of the dislodgement of Boko Haram insurgents from Sambisa forest.

The acting Director of the agency in Kwara, Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Monday.

He said that the call became necessary due to the reports that the dislodged insurgents were making attempts to infiltrate public and private places across the country.

Adeyemi noted that some of these insurgents, who escaped being killed or arrested by the Military were making efforts to wreck havoc in churches, mosques and markets, among other public places.

The director, therefore, enjoined landlords, transporters, community associations, traditional rulers and all citizens to be more careful, vigilant of people around and report suspicious movements and objects to security agencies.

“Security is everyone’s business,” he said. (NAN)

AUO/TO/MST

Edited by Tola Okinbaloye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola