By Rita Iliya

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Niger has engaged stakeholders to discuss the nationwide sensitisation on security, tax reform bills and get-rich-quick syndrome.

The Director General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the meeting was a nationwide sensitisation campaign on five critical issues affecting the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.

Issa-Onilu was represented at the meeting on Monday by Mrs Onuoha Uchenna, Assistant Director, Finance and Account of the agency.

He said that the campaign focused on World HIV/AIDS day, security awareness, discouraging get-rich-quick syndrome, world human rights day, and tax reform bills.

“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians,” he said.

He said the government had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counselling services nationwide as well as ensure antiretroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS.

He added that government has also partnered with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.

On security awareness, Issa-Onilu said the government was strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.

He also emphasised the need for citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and opportunities provided through government initiatives.

The NOA boss further explained that the government was implementing reforms to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

He called on stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to amplify the messages and extend their reach.

In his welcome address, Malam Yahaya Gbongbo, the state Director of NOA, said the agency launched the campaign on Nov. 6 in Niger to make people understand that security was everyone’s business.

He noted that NOA’s mandate was to communicate government programmes and policies to the people, adding that the agency was committed to doing that especially at the grassroots.

In his remarks, Mr Eze Pampas, Eze Ndigbo of Minna and Chairman, Resident Community Traditional Leaders Association in Niger, lauded NOA for its sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting national development and unity.

He attributed the prevalence of get-rich-quick syndrome among Nigerians especially the youths to injustice, corruption, and unemployment in the country.

Also Malam Bala Musa, Deputy Director in NOA in Niger, said the issue of tax reform bills has been a contentious issue and urged Nigerians to study the bill and understand its benefits.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz