The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate, has called on Nigerian students to direct their youthful energy and demographic potential towards fostering positive values and contributing to national development.
This appeal was made yesterday during a courtesy visit by the student union government (SUG) executives of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, led by their President, Bamidele Oluwafemi. The visit highlighted the importance of synergy between government agencies and the student body in promoting civic engagement and agricultural advancement.
While addressing the NOA officials, Oluwafemi expressed appreciation for the Agency’s relentless efforts in promoting societal order through its orientation programmes. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration with the NOA, particularly in empowering young people and expanding their involvement in agriculture.
In his response, the State Director of the NOA, Mr. James Adekunle re-affirmed the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of the country. He stressed that no meaningful national progress could be achieved without the active involvement of the younger generation.
Mr. Adekunle expressed concern over the growing erosion of moral values in society and reiterated the agency’s commitment to its national identity project, which seeks to revive core ethical values among Nigerians, especially the youth.
He also highlighted the key responsibilities of the agency, including the dissemination of government policies, gathering public feedback to inform policymaking and promoting national unity. The director urged students to explore various opportunities in agriculture, noting that the government has rolled out several initiatives to support youth-led agribusinesses.
As part of the engagement, the NOA presented information, education and communication (IEC) materials on the national identity project to the visiting student leaders, aiming to further entrench the message of national consciousness and value reorientation.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to work closely in building a morally upright and development-driven youth population.