The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Friday in Damaturu inaugurated nationwide public enlightenment to deepen citizens’ participation in governance and promote community vigilance.

The agency’s director in Yobe, Muhammad Tikau, announced this while addressing journalists at the Federal Secretariat Complex in the state.

He said the sensitisation would cover 17 local government areas of the state and focus on five thematic areas.

Mr Tikau said the areas would include national values re-orientation for students and youths, flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, as well as sensitisation on government policies and programmes.

He added that other areas are the promotion of Nigerian identity and symbols, as well as national security awareness.

Mr Tikau explained that the agency would deploy town-hall meetings, roadshows, school visits, radio programmes, and market rallies to ensure the campaign reaches grassroots communities in Yobe.

He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration for strides in agriculture, healthcare, road construction, water supply, and entrepreneurship, stressing that NOA would complement these efforts by mobilising citizens to fully benefit.

The director appealed to the media to amplify the campaign and urged residents to take ownership of the initiative for a safer and united Yobe.

Lanre Issa-Onilu, NOA’s director-general, represented by Nura Kobi, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, said the sensitisation was aimed at bringing government closer to the people and strengthening citizens’ understanding of ongoing reforms.

He explained that the agency had expanded its communication platforms, including the “Weekly Explainer’’ e-journal, social media channels and Artificial Intelligence tools to reach younger audiences and simplify government policies.

Mr Issa-Onilu highlighted key programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Conditional Cash Transfer.

Others are the National Youth Investment Fund and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, describing them as life-changing opportunities citizens must embrace.

He also stressed the importance of security awareness, citing recent government investments in rapid-response military units, surveillance technology and deployment of new security personnel nationwide.

The NOA boss also warned communities to take flood mitigation measures seriously, noting that federal funds had been released to states for drainage clearance and disaster preparedness.

(NAN)