The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano State has intensified voter education and public sensitisation campaigns to promote peaceful participation and discourage electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The State Director of the agency, Hajiya Mariya Bello-Maikudi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kano.
Bello-Maikudi said the agency had deployed its officers across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to educate residents on peaceful elections, responsible citizenship and the dangers of electoral violence.
She said the agency’s campaigns also covered security awareness, national symbols, the National Values Charter and the dangers of drug abuse.
“We have conducted security awareness campaigns at the grassroots to strengthen public understanding of security issues and responsible civic behaviour.
“The agency also visits schools to promote national symbols and instil patriotism and national consciousness among pupils and students,” she said.
Bello-Maikudi said NOA had also intensified its promotion of the National Values Charter, popularly known as “Seven for Seven”, which outlines seven commitments of government to citizens and corresponding responsibilities of citizens.
She said the initiative was designed to reinforce the message that nation-building requires joint efforts from both government and citizens.
The director said the agency had engaged stakeholders across the 44 LGAs, particularly youths, on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.
“We have done our best to ensure that people, especially youths, understand the dangers of drug abuse and its negative consequences on society,” she said.
Bello-Maikudi added that NOA was now a member of the Kano State Government’s Special Multi-Agency Task Force on Taxation, where it contributes to public enlightenment campaigns.
She identified voter education as one of the agency’s major priorities as the 2027 elections draw closer.
“We have also conducted voter education programmes this month and will continue until the election is over.
“We are taking the campaign to all the 44 local government areas to ensure that citizens are adequately informed about peaceful participation,” she said.
According to her, NOA had earlier mobilised eligible residents to register as voters before the closure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registration portal.
She said the sensitisation also targeted voters seeking to transfer their registration from one state or local government area to another.
Bello-Maikudi expressed concern about the involvement of youths in electoral violence, saying the agency was working to prevent politicians and other actors from using them as instruments of violence during elections.
She urged young people to reject violence, drug abuse and other activities capable of undermining the electoral process.
The director also urged eligible voters to participate actively in the elections and vote for leaders of their choice.
“We must come out en masse when election comes, elect good leaders and continue to educate people across the 44 local government areas until the election is conducted,” she said.
