The Kwara State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has paid an advocacy visit to the new State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, at the Federal Secretariat in Ilorin.
The visit aimed to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two organizations and promote activities ahead of this year’s World Human Rights Day.
The CDHR delegation, led by Comrade Afolabi Lukman, highlighted the organization’s previous collaborations with the NOA under the leadership of the former Director, Mr. Olusegun Adeyemi, particularly on the annual World Human Rights Day celebrations.
Lukman expressed CDHR’s commitment to continuing this partnership and advocated for reforms in Nigeria’s correctional centers, emphasizing the urgent need to decongest these facilities and reintegrate freed inmates into society.
In addition, the CDHR Chairman invited the NOA to the forthcoming World Human Rights Day Lecture scheduled for December 10, 2024, at the Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies, Ilorin.
Other members of the CDHR delegation included Comrades Adeyemi Ogunwuyi, Dr. Muse Babatunde Sanusi, and Zakariyah Akorede.
Responding to the delegation, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare appreciated the visit and acknowledged the fruitful history of collaboration with the CDHR during his previous role as Deputy Director in Kwara State.
He highlighted NOA’s commitment to fostering national values and citizen engagement through its “7 for 7” National Values Charter, a policy initiative championed by the Director General of the NOA, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Dare also announced a directive from the national NOA leadership mandating all state offices to commemorate World Human Rights Day this year with awareness road walks. He further expressed readiness to support the upcoming CDHR event and presented NOA materials, including the National Identity Project booklet, The Explainer weekly publication, and green hand cards featuring the updated national anthem.
The meeting also had in attendance other NOA management staff, including the Deputy Director, Public Relations Officer, ICT Desk Officer, and departmental representatives.
