The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State has launched a campaign to ensure a peaceful co-existence among citizens in the country irrespective of creed, colour, religious, language or ethnic group.
The public awareness campaign which was aimed at bringing security consciousness to the door steps of all citizens will also take care of the issue of hate speeches which has become a serious threat to the future of Nigeria.
While flagging off the awareness campaign programme at the Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, the Secretary to the State Government, Ismail Olalekan Alli, stated that the recent campaigns against the current structure of the country by some organizations and movements in the name of marginalization and counter marginalization was disturbing and embarrassing, adding that it has negated the principle of unity that brought Nigerians together despite ethno-religious and ideological diversities.
He noted that world powers, developed and developing nations in various continents should come together to establish and sustain international organizations despite their different entities in colour, culture, language, tribe, religion and socio-political ideologies.
Mr. Olalekan Alli cautioned media organizations against adoption of hate speeches, stating that it is capable of threatening the foundation of the country.
The SSG further expressed that the peace, safety and security programmes embarked upon by the state government have enhanced economic development to the state, noting that this was the reason why the National Bureau of Statistic (NBS), in its latest report for the second quarter of the year ranked Oyo State 4th among the most investor friendly states in Nigeria.
Mr. Olalekan Alli, while commending NOA on its sense of duty and patriotism, implored the people of the state to key into the transformation agenda of Governor Abiola Ajimobi led government by actively participating in the preaching of peaceful co-existence and unity of the country for the benefit of the coming generations.
In her welcome address, the state Director, NOA, Dolapo Dosumu expressed that for Nigeria to reach her greatest height, there must be a collective desire by all and sundry to embrace the spirit of patriotism and patriotic culture that can promote the society.
Those present at the programme included the commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Aruligun, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Mr Bimbo Kolade, representatives of security chiefs in Oyo State, traditional rulers, religion and community leaders.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
