NOA Leads Charge Against Filth, Promotes Human Rights In Ekiti

By Oluronke Kuku

The State Office of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Ekiti State has taken a significant step towards promoting a culture of cleanliness, health, security, and human rights in collaboration with various stakeholders, and organizing a sensitization program aimed at educating the public on the importance of cleanliness and its impact on the society.

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The event, which took place in Ado-Ekiti, brought together representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other relevant agencies.

In her remarks, Mrs. Kemi Akomolafe, Director of NOA in Ekiti State, emphasized the need for citizens to take ownership of their actions and contribute to the development of the state. 

She highlighted the importance of cleanliness, stating that it is a collective responsibility that requires the efforts of all stakeholders.

Dr. (Mrs.) Olajomoke Oguntoye, State Health Educator from the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency, delivered a presentation on the dangers of chemical food preservation and the importance of natural preservation methods. She warned against the use of chemicals like calcium carbonate, formalin, and insecticide ‘otapiapia’, which are commonly used to ripen fruits and preserve meat and fish.

Theophilus Gbadeyan, Principal Investigation Officer from the NHRC, emphasized the importance of respecting human rights, particularly the right to freedom of association. He cautioned against forceful participation in associations and encouraged citizens to report any human rights violations.

Mrs. Stella Dosunmu, State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ekiti State, discussed the agency’s efforts to monitor and regulate food and drug outlets in the state. She revealed that over 50 outlets had been sanctioned for non-compliance with regulations.

Famosaya Olushola, the Director of Ekiti Fire Service, warned against the dangers of fuel tanker accidents and advised citizens to vacate the area in case of an incident. He also cautioned against the use of phones near fuel tankers, as it could ignite sparks.

Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, CAN Chairman Ekiti State, commended the NOA for organizing the event and encouraged the participants to take the message to the grassroots.

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ACP Godshere Agini, representing the Ekiti State Police Command, advised citizens to be cautious as well as demonstrate awareness of their rights, while also respecting the rights of others. He warned against forceful participation in associations and encouraged citizens to report any human rights violations.

The representative of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Chief Sola Olanrewaju, the Ejemo Of Ado Ekiti, commended the NOA for organizing the event and encouraged the stakeholders to take the message to the grassroots. Advising drivers to desist from harassing private car owners, he encouraged the NOA to engage with the drivers’ union to sensitize them on their rights and responsibilities.

Chief Dauda Lawal Awise, a traditionalist, advised his fellow traditionalists to ensure that they conduct their activities within the ambits of the law and respect the rights of others.

The event was attended by various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, market women, artisans, and community leaders. They praised the organizers for the informative and engaging program, which they described as “eye-opening” and “educative.”

The ‘Cleanliness’ initiative is expected to be taken to the local government areas and communities across Ekiti State, with the aim of promoting a culture of cleanliness, health, security, and human rights.

In a post-event interview, Mrs. Kemi Akomolafe, Director of NOA in Ekiti State, revealed that the agency plans to take the initiative to the grassroots, using their community orientation and mobilization officers to sensitize the public on the importance of cleanliness and respect for human rights.

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