NOA To Commence Community Dialogue For Peace, Security

The National
Orientation Agency (NOA) in Enugu State says it will soon commence a programme tagged ‘Community Dialogue for Peace and Security’ to resolve conflicts in the state.
The NOA Director in the state, Mr Isaac Onukwube, announced the plan in Enugu yesterday while reacting to alleged attack on some communities by Fulani herdsmen.
Onukwube told newsmen  that the programme would include town hall meetings in the affected communities.
“Insecurity is the major challenge currently facing the nation and all efforts are being made to tackle it headlong.
“The issue of Fulani herdsmen is being handled by the state government, the police, NOA and other security agencies.
“Enugu State is relatively peaceful and we will do everything possible to sustain the existing peace to sustain the transformation done by Gov. Sullivan Chime,’’ he said.
Onukwube commended the people of the state for maintaining peace and security in their various communities.
The director, however, appealed for funds from state and local governments for effective implementation of the programme.
On the forthcoming distribution of voters’ cards, Onukwube said the agency had commenced voter education on the exercise.
According to him, NOA workers in the 17 local governments are already on the field to sensitise the people to participate actively in the exercise.
He urged the people to see the registration as a rare opportunity to perform their civic responsibilities.
“You must take the exercise very seriously because anybody who intends to vote must have a permanent voter card. So do not be apathetic,’’ Onukwube pleaded.
On the zero registration in some areas in the state, the director advised the people to be patient with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as efforts were being made to correct the anomaly.
He appealed to political parties, traditional institutions, religious leaders and town unions to assist in mobilising the people for the exercise.