NOA Advocates Quality Education, Skills Development for Children’s Welfare

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Bayelsa State has advocated for quality education and skills development as essential tools for promoting the overall well-being of Nigerian children.

The State Director of NOA, Mrs Grace Olobio, made the call on Tuesday in Yenagoa during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Olobio said the agency had launched a campaign themed “Enhancing the Total Well-being of a Child Through Quality Education and Skills Development” in commemoration of Children’s Day 2025.

She explained that the campaign aims to raise awareness about the crucial role of education and vocational training in securing a brighter future for children. It also aims to push for policy reforms that prioritise children’s development and encourage communities to take an active role in supporting education initiatives.

According to her, the campaign involves direct community engagement and emphasises the need for government investment in infrastructure, the recruitment of qualified teachers, and the creation of a conducive learning environment.

She emphasised that the advocacy underscores the importance of inclusive and accessible education for every Nigerian child, regardless of their background, gender, or disability.

“The NOA calls on the government to provide community-based scholarships, construct more schools in rural areas, and increase funding for education, particularly in underserved communities,” she said.

She further urged the implementation of school feeding programmes and the subsidisation of educational materials through legislative instruments, such as the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, as a means of improving school enrolment and retention.

“We can ensure every child has access to quality education and skills development for self-reliance,” she noted.

Olobio also urged Nigerian children to steer clear of examination malpractice, cultism, crime, dishonesty, laziness, and procrastination in their academic pursuits.

She called on all Nigerians to play a role in promoting the welfare of children as a foundation for building a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.