In continuation of its sensitization campaign on increased risk communication and community engagement on COVID -19 in Lagos State with critical stakeholders, the management team of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos Directorate led by the State Director, Mr. Waheed Ishola paid an advocacy visit to members of the State Executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Lagos Council, at the Board Room of Lagos Traffic Radio, Agidingbi, Ikeja their temporary office on Thursday 6th August, 2020.Addressing the NUJ State Executives, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos Directorate, Mr. Waheed Ishola said that the import of the visit was to sensitize and engage the Lagos Council on the increased risk communication and community engagement on COVID-19 in Lagos State. He commended the critical role the Council is playing to ameliorate the curve of the pandemic, but noted that the disbelief in the rural communities in COVID-19, pose a lot of danger with serious risk impact in the society as most people have nonchalant attitude towards prevention protocols. The Director in strong terms condemned many political conspiracies and myths about the coronavirus pandemic which had emboldened people to do away with the prescribed guidelines. He used the occasion to sensitise the members deeply on the non-pharmaceutical prevention measures. In his welcome speech, the Chairman, State Executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Lagos Council, Dr. Quasim Akinreti thanked the Agency for recognizing the contribution of the Council as the fourth Estate of the Realm to the governance of the State and Nigeria in general. He noted with all fulfillment that the Council had always been at the frontline in sensitizing and educating the people on the coronavirus and that a collaboration with NOA would be the icing of the cake so to speak. Dr. Akinreti appealed to the Director, to as a matter of urgency use his position to intercede and seek support of the government to provide some good palliatives to members of the fourth Estate of Realm, the Lagos Journalist.He observed that most journalists are facing serious challenges and hardship because salaries are not being paid as a result of the economic situation in the country. He further commended the Lagos State government and some well-meaning corporate organizations that had shown some corporate support to the council members. He promised the council’s support to partner with National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos Directorate to carry out a massive sensitization programme on the Pandemic.Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of information posters and handbills to the Chairman, State Executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Lagos Council, Dr. Quasim Akinreti by the Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Waheed Ishola after a promise to have a chapel of the council enthroned at the Agency’s State Corporate headquarters, in Ikeja Lagos.Source: NOA Lagos State Directorate