NOA flays political violence, intensifies voter education ahead of 2027 elections

By Olufunmi

‎The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano State has intensified voter education and sensitisation campaigns to promote peaceful participation and discourage electoral violence ahead of 2027 general elections.

The State Director of the agency, Hajiya Mariya Bello-Maikudi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kano.

She said the agency had deployed its officers across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state to educate residents on peaceful elections, responsible citizenship and the need to shun violence.

‎“The agency’s activities also include security awareness campaigns, promotion of national symbols and the National Values Charter, as well as sensitisation against drug abuse.

‎“We have conducted security awareness campaigns at the grassroots to strengthen public understanding of security issues and responsible civic behaviour.

‎“The agency also visits schools to promote national symbols and instil patriotism and national consciousness among pupils and students,” she said.

Bello-Maikudi said the agency had also intensified the promotion of the National Values Charter, popularly known as “Seven for Seven”, which outlined seven commitments of government to citizens and the corresponding responsibilities of citizens.

She said the initiative was aimed at helping citizens understand that “nation-building is a shared responsibility between government and the people.”

The director said the agency had engaged relevant stakeholders across the LGAs to sensitise communities, particularly youths, on the dangers of drug abuse.

‎“We have done our best to ensure that people, especially youths, understand the dangers of drug abuse and its negative consequences on society.

‎“NOA is now a member of the Kano State Government’s Special Multi-Agency Task Force on Taxation, where it contributes to public enlightenment efforts,” she said.

‎Bello-Maikudi said voter education had become a major focus of the agency’s activities as the 2027 elections approach.

‎“We have also conducted voter education programmes this month and will continue until the election is over.

“We are taking the campaign to all the 44 local government areas to ensure that citizens are adequately informed about peaceful participation,” she said.

She said the agency had earlier mobilised eligible citizens to register as voters before the closure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registration portal.

“The sensitisation also covers voters who need to transfer their registration from one state or local government area to another,” she said.

‎The director expressed concern over the involvement of youths in electoral violence, saying the agency was working to discourage them from being used as instruments of violence during elections.

She urged youths to reject violence, drug abuse and other acts capable of undermining the electoral process.

Bello-Maikudi also called on eligible voters to come out in large numbers on election day and vote for credible leaders of their choice.

‎“We must come out en masse when election comes, elect good leaders and continue to educate people across the 44 local government areas until the election is conducted,” she said. (NAN)

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