The Zonal Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) South West Zone, Mrs. Salako Olufunke Fransisca, has disclosed that there is a significant development in the National Orientation Agency’s efforts to deepen its outreach and impact across the country.

Salako was speaking in Abeokuta, the state capital, against the backdrop of the organization’s developmental strides. She stated that the National Orientation Agency has established Zonal Directorates that will oversee NOA operations in each of the six geo-political zones of the nation, including the South West.

She noted that the creation of the Zonal Directorates became imperative by the stipulation of the Act establishing NOA, CAP No. 64 of 2004, to strengthen the Agency to promote the activities of the Federal, State, and Local Government Councils.

She said, “This new structure is designed to enhance more effective dissemination of information, promotion of national values, and to better foster development at the grassroots level. The Zonal Directorate is to oversee the activities of State Directorates located within a particular Geo-political Zone.”

She added that the Zonal Directorate will also build partnerships with stakeholders, enhance civic engagement, foster national unity, and encourage citizens’ participation in national development across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

She said, “I am particularly delighted to announce that Ogun State was selected as the South West Zonal Directorate Headquarters, and the Ogun State Government under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has graciously provided office accommodation for the Zonal Headquarter within the premises of the South West Resource Centre, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

“We want to use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Prince Dapo Abiodun for his magnanimity in approving and allocating an office to the Agency to serve as the South West Zonal Headquarters.”

The NOA Zonal Director explained that the Directorate will immediately embark on familiarization and working visits to all the South West State Directorates of the Agency, noting that:

She added, “During the tours, various relevant stakeholders, including traditional and religious institutions and leaders, will be visited to reaffirm all existing relationships and explore new areas of collaboration in the drive to move our country forward.”

She noted that though the organization is short of staff, they are doing everything possible to help increase the staff strength, noting the organization has over the years improved on its activities and performed credibly well.