Ondo NOA Launches Statewide Peace Campaign to Tackle Insecurity, Promote Unity and Development in the Nation
In a bold step towards Nation building, peace, and sustainable development, the Ondo State Directorate of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a Statewide Peace building Campaign tagged “Pathway to National Cohesion, Development, and Unity.”
The initiative, unveiled by Mr. James Adekunle, the State Director of NOA in Ondo State, aims to address the growing threats of insurgency, banditry, extremism, youth restiveness, and the constant herder-farmer conflicts threatening the fabric of Nigerian society.
Speaking during appearances on both OSRC TV’s Yoruba-language programmes “OJUMORE” and FRCN Radio Nigeria 102.5 Positive FM, Mr. Adekunle emphasized the critical need to awaken Nigerians to the power of unity, peaceful coexistence, and inclusivity in achieving true national development.
The NOA Director explained that the campaign is not just reactive but a proactive engagement with communities to foster understanding and collective responsibility for peace building.
Nigeria’s security challenges are vast and vary by region—from Boko Haram’s insurgency in the North-East to the widespread banditry in the North-West, and from violent separatist agitations in the South-East to deadly clashes between herders and farmers around the State in the South West. The NOA’s campaign acknowledges these regional differences and promises a state-by-state customized approach, ensuring that each community’s unique concerns are addressed.
At its core, the campaign is built on identified robust objectives, including the promotion of inter-community dialogue, support for economic development through social stability, and the empowerment of youth to become agents of peace. It also targets reconciliation in conflict-affected communities and aims to foster a national identity that transcends ethnicity, religion, and regional affiliations.
As part of the campaign strategy, NOA plans to organize pre-conference activities, engagement of traditional leaders, community gatekeepers including recognition of Peace champions at the state level. These individuals will be designated as Peace Ambassadors, inspiring broader community involvement, all aimed at galvanizing local interest and energizing the public.
Crucially, this initiative does not end at the state level. To ensure widespread impact, the programme will be replicated across Local Government Areas (LGAs). Town hall meetings, market square engagements, and visits to religious and cultural institutions will be carried out in each community to take the message of peace to the grassroots.
To ensure long-term sustainability, NOA plans to embed the programme within its existing institutional framework. The strategy includes building the capacity of local leaders and documenting best practices for replication nationwide. Communities will be encouraged to take ownership of Peace building efforts, making the initiative a grassroots-driven movement rather than a top-down policy push.
The “Pathway to National Cohesion, Development, and Unity” campaign is more than just a programme—it’s a National call to consciousness. As Nigeria battles escalating insecurity, the NOA’s message is clear: true development cannot happen without unity, and peace must begin with every citizen. By fostering understanding, celebrating diversity, and building bridges across divides, this campaign hopes to chart a new course for Nigeria’s collective future.
Ralph Oguntibeju
Head, M & C Dept,
Ondo NOA ,
Akure.