The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kwara State to take greater responsibility in addressing insecurity through community sensitisation and security education.

Speaking in Ilorin during an interface with CSOs on the theme “Working Together to Secure Nigeria for Greatness,” the NOA Zonal Director, Dr. Priscilla Gondoaluor, said insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to national growth despite the country’s vast resources.

She explained that CSOs play a crucial role in complementing government efforts towards safeguarding citizens’ welfare and promoting national unity.

“We understand that CSOs are advocates of the people’s rights and welfare, while NOA’s mandate is to reshape the moral and value orientation of Nigerians,” Gondoaluor stated. “As both NOA and CSOs are working to rescue Nigeria, we see CSOs as strategic partners in the fight against insecurity. We therefore urge you to include security training and awareness in your community programmes.”

The NOA director further advised Nigerians to be cautious about the type of personal information they share in public or on social media, stressing that national security requires collective vigilance.

Responding, the Convener of the Coalition of CSOs in Kwara, Mr. Abdurrahman Ayuba, said that while CSOs will continue to support government efforts, the federal government must take decisive action on the root causes of insecurity in the state, particularly illegal mining activities.

“Mining in Kwara has security implications, and although it is on the exclusive legislative list, the state government should be empowered to regulate and monitor licensed operators to prevent abuse,” Ayuba said. “The government should also focus on youth empowerment to prevent young people from being drawn into criminal activities.”

Also speaking, the Executive Officer of Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation, Mrs. Christy Abayomi, lamented that insecurity in Kwara worsened because early warning signs were not properly addressed.

“No sector can thrive amid insecurity. CSOs will therefore continue to create awareness and sensitize citizens to be security conscious,” she said.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of Impact Driven Initiative for Sustainable Development, Dr. Razaq Isiaka, blamed the persistence of insecurity on the failure to prosecute offenders, which he said encourages impunity.

Other CSO representatives at the meeting expressed readiness to continue partnering with NOA and the government to promote peace and development across communities in Kwara State.