NOA Zonal Director commends Kwara Head of Service, seeks stronger partnership
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor, the Zonal Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara has commended the appointment of the state’s Head of Service, describing her as competent and well-prepared for the role.
The Director said she was impressed by her track record after conducting background checks on her performance, noting that the agency prioritises research and fact-finding before engaging with institutions and leaders.
She also lauded the Kwara Government for prioritising merit over gender considerations in her appointment, adding that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to fairness and due process.
The Zonal Director expressed optimism about her confirmation and pledged the agency’s support in strengthening governance through collaboration with the state civil service.
She emphasised the critical role of the civil service in governance, describing it as the engine room of government and a key driver of policy implementation.
According to him, the NOA recently expanded its structure to include zonal directorates across the six geopolitical zones, with the North Central headquarters located in Kwara, to enhance coordination and effectiveness.
She explained that the agency is not a political body but is mandated to mobilise, sensitise, and reorient citizens towards positive behavioural change for national development.
The Director noted that civil servants, drawn from diverse communities, play a vital role in influencing public attitudes and values, making them strategic partners in achieving the agency’s objectives.
She highlighted the National Values Charter developed by the agency, which outlines commitments for both government and citizens, including equality, democracy, peace and security, inclusivity, justice, and meritocracy.
According to her, the charter serves as a social contract aimed at strengthening accountability and fostering mutual responsibility between government and the people.
He said the visit was to familiarise with the Head of Service and strengthen collaboration to promote effective service delivery in the state.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Director of NOA, Mr Dare Abdulganiy, expressed appreciation for the existing relationship between the agency and the state government.
He commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his developmental strides, particularly in the areas of pension payments and education reforms.
Abdulganiy also lauded the Head of Service for her contributions to the civil service, describing her as dedicated and result-oriented.
He appealed for sustained collaboration between the agency and state ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance public engagement and programme implementation.
The Director urged the state government to continue to involve NOA in its activities, noting that such synergy would promote inclusive governance and better service delivery.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting government initiatives and fostering national values among citizens.
In her response, the Acting Head of Service in Kwara, Dr Olufunke Shittu, described the visit of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) as timely and significant, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to professionalism, integrity and improved service delivery.
Shittu, who received the NOA Zonal Director and her team said the Kwara Civil Service had undergone major reforms under Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, resulting in a merit-driven system.
She cited the administration’s competency-based leadership assessments, noting that promotions and appointments were now determined through transparent, electronically-driven processes.
“The system ensures that only the best candidates emerge, based strictly on merit,” she said.
The Head of Service also highlighted the state’s citizen engagement model in budget planning, explaining that the government regularly consults stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to identify priority needs.
“Before budgets are finalised, citizens are engaged to state their needs and assess previous performances.
“These inputs guide government planning and implementation,” she added.
Shittu emphasised that governance in the state remains people-centred, with policies designed to reflect the interests of the public.
She further explained that the Office of the Head of Service plays a central role in coordinating ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), ensuring alignment with government priorities and adherence to due process.
The HoS, however, expressed concern over lapses in responding to public correspondence, stressing that civil servants must promptly acknowledge and address communications from citizens.
She said the office would reinforce compliance and improve accountability mechanisms across MDAs.
Shittu also disclosed plans to revive and strengthen the Civil Service Charter, which provides a feedback mechanism for citizens to lodge complaints on service delivery.
“We will revisit the charter to ensure it functions optimally and that negligence is appropriately sanctioned,” she said.
On collaboration, she called for a stronger partnership with NOA in sensitisation campaigns aimed at reawakening diligence, discipline and ethical conduct among civil servants.
“There is a need to appeal to the conscience of workers and restore core values of the civil service. Without this, the system risks gradual decline,” she warned.
Shittu urged NOA to continuously provide feedback on service delivery across MDAs, assuring that issues raised would be treated with urgency and sincerity.
She expressed optimism that the visit would mark the beginning of sustained collaboration between both institutions.