NOA Zonal Director Salutes South West State Directors, Praises DG for Voter Mobilization in 2027

NOA Zonal Director Salutes South West State Directors, Praises DG for Voter Mobilization in 2027

Daud Olatunji

The South West Zone Director of the National Orientation Agency, Kehinde Ogunkuade, has commended the state directors of the agency across the region for their commitment, resilience, hard work and dedication to duty, commending their efforts to deepen civic awareness and mobilize Nigerians for credible and peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ogunkuade also commended NOA Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu for initiating the agency’s nationwide voter mobilization campaign, describing the program as an important step towards strengthening democratic participation and addressing electoral malpractices.

The Zonal Director made the remarks on Monday, October 26, 2026, during an interview with some selected journalists at the zonal headquarters of the agency in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The national campaign, themed “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence”, was recently launched by Issa-Onilu to boost voter education and NOA mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ogunkuade said the initiative was designed to educate eligible voters on their rights and responsibilities, discourage vote buying and other electoral malpractices, address voter apathy and promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.

He explained that the campaign will require sustained commitment and grassroots collaboration between government institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, market associations, artisans, youth and other community stakeholders.

Commending the state directors under his supervision, Ogunkuade said their commitment and dedication had contributed to the implementation of the agency’s programs in the South West.

He explained that his responsibilities include coordinating the activities of state directorates, supervising their operations, and conducting peer reviews to evaluate their performance and ensure that the agency’s objectives have been achieved.

The zonal director said he was satisfied with the work of the state directors, noting that they engaged relevant stakeholders and brought civic education messages to communities in their respective states.

“I’m pleased with what they’re doing. They’re doing their job very well and they’re working with the stakeholders,” he said.

He added that the zonal office will continue to coordinate, monitor and review its activities to sustain progress and improve the effectiveness of the agency’s public lighting programs.

Ogunkuade also commended the NOA Director General for providing leadership through the National Mobilization Initiative, which he said would strengthen the agency’s efforts to sensitize citizens on the importance of participating in elections without selling their votes or resorting to violence.

He expressed optimism that lessons learned from previous off-cycle governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states would help improve preparations for future elections, stressing the importance of continued engagement with voters and other stakeholders.

…..’Don’t sell your future’

The zonal director warned Nigerians against exchanging their votes for money, food or other material incentives, describing vote buying as a threat to the long-term interests of citizens and the quality of government.

According to him, voters need to understand that accepting incentives in exchange for their vote could undermine their ability to hold elected officials accountable.

He said the agency engaged community leaders and other influential stakeholders to discourage vote-buying, taking the message directly to grassroots communities.

“We have engaged leaders and stakeholders to let them know that there is no need to sell people’s votes. After that, we talk to the grassroots, saying, ‘Don’t sell your future. Don’t sell your future for a plate of food,'” he said.

Ogunkuade urged voters to resist pressure from politicians offering money or other benefits, insisting that citizens can refuse such incentives and preserve their conscience.

He also called on religious leaders and traditional institutions to use their influence to promote integrity, responsible citizenship and peaceful political participation.

....Fear and intimidation fuel voter apathy

Ogunkuade identified violence, fear and intimidation as factors that could discourage eligible Nigerian citizens from participating in elections.

He appealed to citizens to collect their permanent voter cards and vote for candidates of their choice without fear, urging security agencies to provide an environment where voters can exercise their constitutional rights safely.

He argued that security agencies have a vital role to play in preventing electoral violence, citing the experiences of the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as reference points for discussions on peaceful electoral participation.

The area director urged Nigerians not to allow political differences to destroy relationships within families and communities.

He observed that people who belonged to different political parties often lived together peacefully, shared meals and maintained cordial relations outside of election periods.

He questioned why such relations should deteriorate during elections, urging political leaders to resolve their disagreements peacefully rather than allow tensions to spread to ordinary citizens.

“Political elites should not bring their conflicts to the grassroots. They should hide their disagreements from the people and resolve them peacefully,” he said.

He also called on political parties and their supporters to reject violence, stressing that democracy belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.

…..NOA strengthens stakeholder collaboration

Ogunkuade said the agency was working with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity and responsible citizenship.

He noted that the South West Zonal Directorate coordinated the activities of state directors, who were responsible for implementing the agency’s programs and engaging communities at the state level.

He also identified the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Election Security as important platforms for building consensus among political parties and security agencies.

According to him, the platforms allow stakeholders to discuss emerging concerns, exchange information and develop strategies to address potential threats to peaceful elections.

He said continued collaboration was needed between the NOA, political parties, security agencies and community leaders to prevent tensions from escalating into violence.

The area director also underlined the need for national unity, urging political leaders and citizens to put the country’s interests before personal ambitions.

He said Nigerians should speak positively about their country and support efforts to maintain peace, adding that insecurity, social division and political intolerance could undermine national development.

…..Warns against fake news and drug abuse

The NOA director also warned citizens against spreading false information, particularly on social media, saying that misinformation could increase tensions, damage reputations and lead to legal consequences.

He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and to use digital platforms to promote personal development, responsible civic engagement and national progress.

He encouraged members of the public to follow the agency’s official social media platforms and use its AI CHLEEAN app to support responsible information sharing and civic participation.

Ogunkuade also expressed concern about social vices among young people, including drug abuse, stressing that such problems could contribute to violence and other forms of social disorder.

He said the agency is working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the police and other security institutions to address the challenges through public information, counseling and other appropriate interventions.

He cited engagements with youth groups and community stakeholders, including activities in Ilishan-Remo, as part of efforts to promote positive behavior and peaceful coexistence.

The area director called on young Nigerians to shun violence, adopt responsible conduct and contribute significantly to the development of their communities.

Ogunkuade reaffirmed that democracy belongs to everyone, stressing that its success depends on the willingness of citizens, political leaders and public institutions to assume their responsibilities.

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE