NOA urges communities in A’Ibom to maintain peaceful coexistence

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on traditional rulers and other community stakeholders to live in peace with one another, thereby fostering peace, development, and transformation in our local societies.

Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, gave the advice on Tuesday when he met with stakeholders in Ikot Obio Ndoho, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the State, over an internal crisis and misunderstanding in the area.

Our correspondent reports that there had been a misunderstanding between the community and the oil servicing company operating in the area.

Mkpoutom said that without peace, there would be no meaningful development and progress in the rural communities.

He urged them to close ranks and work together for community development.

The state director urged all citizens to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, the exercise is aimed at increasing the voting strength of the real Nigerians, and the process is more accessible than ever before.

“Gone are the days of long queues and bureaucratic hurdles. With various registration methods available, including online platforms at designated centres across the country, citizens have multiple avenues to register.

“It is vital to take advantage of this streamlined process to secure one’s eligibility to vote and that by taking part in the exercise, citizens can help promote equity in political representation and that every eligible Nigerian citizen should embrace,” he said.

Earlier, the village Head of Ikot Obio Ndoho, Eteidung Friday Akpan, appealed to everyone in his village to be at peace with each other.

Akpan added that it was only through peaceful coexistence in rural societies that would attract investment and transformation of the area.

He expressed his willingness to address any complaints by his subjects, over any area that they may not be satisfied, to make amends,  for the sake of peace in the village. The Youth President, Mr Godstime Sunday, expressed his appreciation to all parties that attended the meeting for brokering peace in the community.