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The South-West Zonal Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Kehinde Martins Ogunkuade has called on officers and staff of the Agency to uphold professionalism, integrity, and strict adherence to established rules and regulations in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasized that every staff member represents the image and values of the agency within their respective communities. Therefore, officers should neither distort the truth nor embellish facts in an attempt to demonstrate expertise.
According to him, staff should avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the agency and should not hesitate to admit when they lack sufficient knowledge on a subject rather than provide misleading information.
Mr. Ogunkuade made these remarks during an official visit to the Oyo State Directorate of the Agency, where he was received by the Oyo State Director, Mrs. Ajolayo Simiat Akande, alongside members of the management team, Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) from the Ibadan and Oyo zones, as well as other members of staff at the state headquarters.
Earlier, the Zonal Director held a closed-door meeting with the management team, during which they discussed the challenges confronting the Agency and explored possible solutions. He later addressed the general assembly of staff members, stressing the importance of acquainting themselves with the Public Service Rules, the Agency’s enabling laws, and other extant regulations to strengthen their effectiveness as NOA personnel
The Zonal Director noted that ignorance of the rules can not serve as an excuse for professional misconduct. He urged officers to continually equip themselves with the requisite knowledge needed to engage citizens effectively, adding that integrity and honesty should remain the watchwords of every public servant, especially NOA staff.
He further underscored the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, patriotism, and healthy interpersonal relationships among officers. He also encouraged staff members to prioritize their health and personal well-being to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Mr. Ogunkuade commended the Oyo State Directorate for its dedication and commitment to duty despite prevailing challenges, assuring personnel that their sacrifices and contributions toward promoting national values and responsible citizenship are highly appreciated.
The meeting featured an interactive session during which officers and members of management made valuable contributions and observations on issues relating to staff welfare, operational efficiency, and the effective implementation of the Agency’s mandate.
Among those who made presentations were the Head of Media, Alhaji Isiaka Kehinde; Deputy Director, Community Safety Awareness and Compliance, Mr. Ibrahim Okunlola; Deputy Director, Health and Social Care, Mr. Babatunde Ogundipe; Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Strategy, Mrs. Abidemi Adewale and other senior officers who raised pertinent issues and made recommendations concerning logistics, office infrastructure, working tools, and strategic partnerships capable of enhancing the activities of the agency.
Responding to the issues raised, the Zonal Director provided clarifications and assured officers of management’s commitment to continuously exploring avenues for addressing operational challenges and strengthening the Agency’s capacity to effectively deliver on its mandate He also urged staff members to remain prayerful, not only for themselves but also for the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking for divine guidance that would lead to the betterment of the Agency and the nation at large.
Earlier in her remarks, the Oyo State Director, Mrs. Ajolayo Simiat Akande appreciated the Zonal Director for the visit and described the engagement as timely and impactful. She noted that the interaction would further motivate personnel towards greater commitment and improved service delivery.
In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Director, Community Outreach and Development Department, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Omotayo, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Director for the insightful engagement and assured him of the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Directorate to advancing the ideals of national unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship for the benefit of the entire society..
The visit concluded with a group photograph and further interactions with members of staff, reinforcing the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared commitment to the realization of the Agency’s mandate.
