Ex-Director Seeks More Funds For NOA

A Former Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Anambra, Prof. Gabriel Unachukwu, has called on the Federal Government to increase funding to the agency for adequate mobilisation and sensitisation of Nigerians.

Unachukwu made the call in Awka on Monday at a luncheon organised by committee of friends in honour of the immediate past state director of the agency, Mr Geoff Ogbalu.

According to him, sufficient funding will assist the agency in its programmes, especially in educating rural dwellers on government’s economic, political and social activities.

The ex-director, however, appealed to officials of the agency to ensure that they sustained the mission of imparting positive changes in the attitude and behaviour of Nigerians, to move the country forward.

Unachukwu advised Ogbalu, who retired from active service after 35 years, to make judicious use of his pension and gratuity benefits for his future plans.

He described Ogbalu as humane and career civil servant who rose through the ranks, urging him to apply his wealth of experience to make useful contributions toward the development of the society.

Also speaking, the national chairman, ‘Udo na Ezi Ocichi’ Organisation of Nigeria, Dr JohnMary Ibeka, advised Ogbalu to maintain the exemplary life for which he is known.

“Avoid any acts that would tarnish your name and do not be tired with serving Nigeria in any other capacity,” he said.

The General Manager, Transport Corporation of Anambra State, Mr Tony Ileka, noted that “Ogbalu retired without blemish in a country where some public officers have stained their names with corrupt practices.”

In another development, a  former governor of Anambra, Dr Chimwoke Mbadinuju, has commended Governor Peter Obi for the infrastructural development in the state.

Mbadinuju made the commendation in Awka while speaking with newsmen.

He observed that Obi had performed more than his predecessors considering the pace of infrastructural growth and development in the state.

“Well, his performance may be attributed to his frequent visits to Abuja, because each time he goes there, he does not come back to the state empty-handed,” the former governor said.

Mbadinuju, who described Obi as a prudent manager of resources, maintained that his closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan had contributed to his success in the governance of the state.