NOA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEEPENING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AS YOUTH-FRIENDLY CIVIC AND VOTER EDUCATION MANUAL IS LAUNCHED

The Director-GeneraKl of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to strengthening civic engagement and deepening democratic participation across Nigeria, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 General Elections.

He made this known at the national launch of the Youth-Friendly Civic and Voter Education Manual, a collaborative initiative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).

The event, held at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and youth groups, all united in the collective pursuit of a more informed, active, and responsible electorate.

Describing the initiative as both timely and strategic, Mallam Issa-Onilu emphasised that sustainable democracy extends beyond periodic elections and must be anchored on informed, value-driven citizens.

"An informed electorate remains the strongest defence against voter apathy, misinformation, electoral violence, and democratic disengagement' he stated.

The Director-General noted that the integration of civic and voter education into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) framework represents a deliberate and forward-looking strategy to empower young Nigerians as catalysts for democratic consolidation. According to him, this approach will deepen grassroots engagement, expand civic awareness, and create a multiplier effect that transcends election cycles.

He further described the newly launched manual as a vital policy tool designed to simplify democratic concepts, equip young citizens with practical knowledge, and promote responsible citizenship, as well as peaceful participation in the electoral process.

Represented at the event by the Director, Civic, Values and Democracy Education, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, the Director-General commended INEC for its sustained institutional leadership in safeguarding electoral integrity, and KDI for its innovative, data-driven approach and extensive nationwide outreach in advancing democratic reforms.

He noted that the collaboration underscores the importance of strategic partnerships between government institutions and credible civil society organisations in building public trust and delivering lasting impact.

The DG also expressed concern over declining voter turnout in recent elections, stressing the urgent need for sustained civic education and renewed citizen engagement.

He reiterated that the National Orientation Agency remains fully committed to deploying innovative strategies, strengthening partnerships, and promoting the core values enshrined in the National Values Charter including integrity, patriotism, discipline, accountability, resilience, and democracy as the foundation for a stable and enduring democratic system.

Mallam Issa-Onilu described the launch as not just the unveiling of a manual, but the ignition of a nationwide civic movement aimed at empowering citizens to actively shape Nigeria’s democratic future.

He called on young Nigerians, particularly members of the NYSC, to embrace their roles as civic ambassadors and agents of positive change within their communities.