The House of Representatives has advocated for improved funding for the National Orientation Agency (NOA), News About Nigeria reports.
This was championed by a motion moved by the member representing Agege Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Mr Adewale Hameed, on Tuesday, on the “Need to Review the Budgetary Allocation of the National Orientation Agency of Nigeria for Improved Citizens’ Orientation.
He noted that improved funding for the agency will enhance its service delivery, adding that NOA plays an important role in the re-orientation of citizens towards national values and in promoting unity and patriotism.
He, however, expressed concern over the agency’s inadequate funding, stressing that more needs to be done to empower the NOA to effectively serve Nigerians.
According to him, the widespread restiveness and social vices across the country necessitate urgent measures for re-orientation to curb these issues and promote societal development.
He stated, “The House is concerned that the existing funding provided for the agency is grossly inadequate to meet the extensive responsibilities of the agency and its offices across the nation.
“We are concerned that, given the prevailing trend of youth restiveness and social vices in the nation, there is an urgent need to implement measures for effective re-orientation of citizens to curb vices and encourage societal growth.”
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, urged the Federal Government to review the budgetary allocation of the National Orientation Agency in line with current realities in subsequent budget estimates to enable the successful re-orientation of citizens.
He also urged the NOA to increase visibility across all media platforms and produce more engaging content that will promote Federal Government policies and expose citizens to government initiatives that can benefit them.