The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has assured members of staff that their welfare and professional development remain top priorities of his administration, reaffirming his commitment to building a skilled, motivated and productive workforce capable of driving the Agency's mandate effectively.
Issa-Onilu gave the assurance while addressing members of staff during an engagement meeting at the Agency's headquarters in Abuja.
He commended the management and staff for their unwavering support since he assumed office two and a half years ago, noting that their commitment has contributed significantly to repositioning the Agency and strengthening its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Reflecting on the Agency's progress, the Director-General said the NOA is no longer "winking in the dark" or "clapping with one hand," but has become more visible, coordinated and impactful in promoting national values and civic responsibility, and keeping Nigerians informed about government policies.
As an example, he highlighted the National Values Charter, one of the Agency’s initiatives to promote values reorientation, revealing that its television commercial was aired throughout the just-concluded English Premier League and UEFA Champions League football watched by millions of Nigerians at home and abroad. He noted that the extensive broadcast significantly expanded the reach of the message of patriotism, responsible citizenship and shared national values which the Charter carries, to millions of viewers across Nigeria and beyond.
The Director-General also spoke about reforms introduced to strengthen transparency and professionalism within the Agency. He explained that one of his early interventions was the introduction of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for promotional examinations, replacing the previous system to ensure a more transparent, credible and merit-based promotion process.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to reposition the Agency, Issa-Onilu disclosed that the proposed new National Orientation Agency Act has successfully passed first reading in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. He added that the Agency is also pursuing strategic partnerships with leading organisations and brands to support programmes that advance its mandate of national orientation, value reorientation and citizen engagement.
Reiterating his commitment to the welfare and professional development of staff members, the Director-General pledged continued investment in training, capacity-building programmes and other initiatives designed to enhance staff welfare, improve productivity and equip employees with the skills required to meet the Agency's evolving responsibilities.
Earlier, the Director of Human Resources and Management, Mrs Ayisola Olowoyo, commended the Director-General for sustaining regular engagement sessions with staff, describing them as an important platform for reviewing the Agency's activities, strengthening collaboration, receiving feedback and improving service delivery.
Representatives of the Agency's labour unions also praised the Director-General's leadership and commitment to staff welfare. The President of the NOA chapter of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Professional Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Mrs Goodness Idehai-Frederick, acknowledged the administration's efforts while appealing for additional support for bereaved staff, the families of deceased employees and retired personnel.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Agency's Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Oriasotie Idemudia Saturday, offered prayers for the Director-General's continued wisdom and success and encouraged staff to remain united and continue supporting the Agency's transformation agenda.
The engagement meeting was attended by directors from all departments of the Agency, alongside members of staff from the headquarters, reaffirming the management's commitment to open communication, collaboration and continuous institutional improvement.
