The outgoing Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, has commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for its invaluable support to the agency, particularly through the establishment of the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED). She credited the initiative as instrumental in enhancing the agency’s operational efficiency and infrastructural growth across the state.
Speaking during a well-attended send-off ceremony at the NOA Headquarters in Ibadan, Dr. Afolayan reflected on the agency’s major milestones under her leadership and expressed gratitude for the state government’s contributions to civic engagement and national orientation. According to her, the improved road infrastructure across Oyo State significantly facilitated NOA’s community outreach and sensitization programmes, especially in rural communities such as Lanlate, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Fapote Saki, Iwere-Ile, Ibadan less city and other municipal areas.
Dr. Afolayan, who has been appointed as the National Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education at the NOA headquarters in Abuja, noted that under her tenure, the agency executed over 106 media orientation campaigns, town hall meetings, and advocacy programmes. She also highlighted her role in securing compensation for Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian national flag—an effort that underscored NOA’s commitment to national identity and recognition.
Chairman of the event and Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, praised Dr. Afolayan’s outstanding contributions, describing her as “a round peg in a round hole.” He said her leadership had significantly elevated NOA’s status in the state and reinforced its core mandate of public orientation and value reorientation.
“Since 1993, when MAMSER transitioned into the National Orientation Agency, I have followed the evolution of the organization. Dr. Afolayan has stood out as one of NOA’s most effective ambassadors,” Prince Oyelade stated, while calling for sustained support for the agency’s grassroots mobilization activities.
Other dignitaries present included Chief Moshood Olaleye, a former NOA Director and Baale Iloka of Egbeda Local Government, Osun State NOA Director, Mr. Adebiyi Adefarasin, and broadcaster Mayor Isaac Brown. They lauded Dr. Afolayan’s integrity and tireless service, while urging for more strategic recruitment and resource allocation to further enhance NOA’s capacity at state and national levels.
Below is the official press release issued by the Commissioner for Information:
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Press Release
You’re a Round Peg in a Round Hole – Outgoing NOA Director Eulogizes Oyelade
The outgoing State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for supporting the Agency through the establishment of the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), which has helped to ease the Agency’s operations and infrastructural development.
She said that improved road network had made it easier for the Agency to carry out sensitization assignments across the state, citing communities like Lanlate, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Fapote Saki, Iwere-Ile, Ibadan less city and the municipals and many other communities.
Dr. Afolayan made this known during a send-off ceremony held in her honour at the NOA Headquarters, Ibadan.
The Outgoing NOA State Director has been transferred to the Headquarter as the National Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education.
She said “NOA’s achievements under my leadership, include 106 media orientation programmes, town hall meetings, advocacy campaigns, and the successful compensation of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion as well as the Commissioner for Information, Prince Oyelade praised the Agency for their critical roles in public awareness and civic engagement.
He described the celebrant as one of NOA’s finest ambassadors noting that her tenure had significantly strengthened the agency’s role in mobilizing Citizens.
While reflecting NOA’s evolution, the Commissioner said: “Since 1993 when MAMSER metamorphosed into NOA, I had followed the trajectory of the organisation and it is my submission that the residual challenges facing the agency notwithstanding, Dr. (Mrs) Olukemi Afolayan has stood out as one of the best Ambassadors of NOA.”
Several dignitaries, including former NOA Oyo State Director, and Baale Iloka of Egbeda Local Government, Chief Moshood Olaleye and Osun State NOA Director, Mr. Adebiyi Adefarasin, praised the outgoing Director’s dedication and stressed the need for better staff recruitment to enhance operational efficiency.
Also speaking at the event, Mayor Isaac Brown urged the Federal Government to increase funding for NOA projects, and ensuring that the Agency is better equipped to fulfill its national mandate.
The ceremony was attended by the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs. Iswiat Amiregun, who offered prayers for the outgoing Director as she embarks on her new role as the National Director.
E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information
Oyo State.
7th May, 2025.