NOA unveils sensitisation on tax reforms security in Bayelsa

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

National Orientation Agency (NOA) unveiled a nationwide sensitisation campaign on health, security consciousness, get-rich-quick syndrome, human rights and tax reforms in Bayelsa State.

The Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said this during a press conference on Wednesday to flag off the campaign in Yenagoa.

Issa-Onilu was represented by Mr Saturday Idemudia, Deputy Director in charge of Attitude Orientation and Behaviours Modification at NOA headquarters in Abuja.

He explained that the sensitisation campaign on the five critical areas was necessary because they are central to the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.

The director-general said that the campaign aims to unite Nigerians and build patriotism amongst the citizenry.

The campaign has the theme, “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Valued and National Development.

“Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilisation of Nigerians unity in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society.

“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.

“This campaign toward HIV/AIDS complements the efforts being made by relevant health authorities and coincides with the World HIV/AIDS Day, which was marked on December 1.

“We also join the global community within the week across the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 Local Governments, in raising awareness,” he said.

He further said that the government had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counselling services nationwide.

He explained that the government also ensures antiretroviral treatment is available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS, and partnering with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.

“Government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS, citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviours, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.

“Citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. We shall be carrying these messages across the length and breadth of Nigeria through our diverse messaging platforms,” he said.

On security, the D-G noted that it remained a top priority for the government as efforts are being intensified in the provision of modern weapons, training and funding of the security forces

He explained that the Federal government is expanding policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement as well as deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat crime.

On the get-rich-quick syndrome, he said that the government had implemented youth empowerment programmes and skills acquisition initiatives.

He stated that the government had criminalised fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

“Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.

“In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal ways to acquire ill-gotten wealth to impress others is heightened.

“Furthermore, on tax reform, he noted that the government was working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing,” he said.

He also explained that the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly were designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring everyone contributes fairly.

“In all, NOA, will in this month of December be carrying out nationwide sensitisation with different activities on the five critical issues to let citizens be informed, security conscious and shun crimes to get them rich quickly.

“This campaign represents more than government initiatives; it is a call to action for every Nigerian to join hands in addressing these five critical issues.

“Together, we must create a society that is healthy, secure, ethical and united in purpose.

“The roles of stakeholders are very important, we call on media, traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to amplify these messages and extend their reach,” he said.

Earlier, the State Director of NOA in Bayelsa Dr Edward Banigo enlisted the support of the media in propagating messages to educate and inform citizens on the feats being achieved by the current administration.

Banigo described the media as indispensable partners in nation-building and applauded the media for publicising the activities of the NOA in Bayelsa.