In a renewed push to strengthen grassroots civic engagement and foster national reorientation, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), South-West Zone, has intensified collaboration with traditional institutions.

This was demonstrated on Thursday, when the newly appointed Zonal Director, Mrs. Salako Olufunke Fransisca, paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Palace of Oba Babatunde Akanbi Ogunrombi, the traditional ruler of Shasha Kingdom in Lagos State.

The visit, part of Salako’s ongoing stakeholder engagement tour across the Southwest, aims to secure the support of traditional rulers seen as critical partners in NOA’s efforts to drive civic enlightenment and community mobilisation at the grassroots.

Salako and her delegation were received by the monarch and palace dignitaries, including High Chief Monsuru Olukosi, High Chief Jelili (Abore of the Kingdom), and Prince Sulaimon Bakare.

The NOA team included the State Director, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, and other top officials from the agency’s Lagos Directorate and Zonal headquarters.

Speaking during the visit, Salako introduced herself formally to the monarch and sought his blessings as she assumed leadership of the Southwest Zone.

She reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to strengthening its ties with traditional rulers, noting that their influence is vital in advancing the agency’s mandate of national reorientation.

“This visit is in line with the strategic direction of the NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who is leading reforms geared towards improved service delivery, grassroots impact, and institutional innovation,” she stated.

Salako also lauded the king for his consistent support of NOA’s civic initiatives, describing him as a dependable ally in promoting community-based enlightenment programmes.

In his response, Ogunrombi pledged continued collaboration with the agency, expressing confidence in the leadership of NOA. He called for improved government support and funding for the agency to ensure its objectives are fully realised.

“The role of NOA in community sensitisation cannot be overstated. I remain fully committed to supporting your programmes and urge the government to adequately fund your initiatives.”

This visit signals a renewed effort by NOA to deepen ties with traditional institutions across the South-West, in alignment with its broader mission to promote civic responsibility, national identity, and community cohesion.