The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Bauchi State Office has flagged off its sensitization campaign on ” Building a people of peace and security awareness ” in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government across the 20 local government areas.
The campaign was flagged off by His Excellency the Governor of Bauchi State Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar at the palace of the District Head of Galambi in Bauchi LGA on Friday, 3rd November, 2017.
The Governor was represented by the State Head of Civil Service Alhaji Liman Bello, dignitaries present were the Chairman Bauchi LGA, representatives of Commissioner of Police, ACG & Commandant NSCDC, Comptroller’s Immigration, Customs, Prison, Commandant Peace corps, Sectoral commander FRSC, Heads Federal and State MDAs, Representatives of VC ATBU,State University Gadau, Rector Fedpoly, ATAP, & Provost COE Kangere, Religious and Traditional leaders of various ethics groups residing in the local government, Women & Youth, Students and so on.
Earlier in his keynote address, the State Acting Director NOA Alhaji Nuru Yusuf Kobi disclosed that the programme is a continuation of the Agency’s nationwide campaign against the various ethno/communal conflicts in the content of hate speech, farmers/herders conflicts, political/religious violence in some part of the country.
Alhaji Nuru Kobi who described peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance as critical tools for nation building, saying that the campaign would sensitize people especially the Youth to conduct their civic responsibilities of promoting peace and harmony in their communities.
The NOA Director charged youths to actively participate in peace building in their respective communities and hoped that the programme will contribute towards instilling good moral values among the people.
In their separate speeches at the occasion the Acting Chairman of Bauchi LGA Alhaji Nasiru Usman and the representatives of the security chiefs described such peace and security awareness campaign as timely, they commended NOA for the initiative.
While flagging off the campaign Governor Mohammed A.Abubakar Esq assured the determination of his Government to safeguard the lives and property of its people and other citizens residing in the State.
The Governor who was represented by the Head of Service Alhaji Liman Bello said the campaign become necessary in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country, therefore appealed to the people of the State to live in peace with one another and the non indigenes should be free to live peacefully in any part of the State as partners in progress. He commended NOA for coming up with the programme.
During the interactive session, the coordinator centre for information technology and development Kano State Alhaji Isa Garba spoke extensively on the danger of hate speeches particularly on the social media network and enjoined the people to desist from such act.
Representative of the youth forum in the State condemned the misuse of the social media particularly Facebook in promoting hate speech and therefore called on the authorities to take appropriate action.
In his vote of thanks, the District Head of Galambi Alhaji Shehu Adamu Jumba, thanked NOA , Bauchi State Government and all security agencies for their efforts towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among the various communities.
Highlights of the occasion includes, drama presentation by the Bauchi drama and enlightenment group, cultural interlude by different ethnic groups from the local government.
