NOA Hails South-West Governments for Promoting Citizens’ Engagement at Regional Summit
2nd November 2025.
The Ondo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commended governments across the South-West region for their growing commitment to strengthening citizens’ participation in governance through sustained dialogue and partnership initiatives.
The commendation came during the South-West Citizens–Government Engagement Summit, held on October 29–30, 2025, at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure. The summit, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together governors of the six South-West states, federal and state officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, civil society organizations, youth groups, and private sector representatives.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Mr. James Adekunle, Director of NOA in Ondo State, described the summit as “a new dawn in democratic engagement and inclusive governance within the South-West region.”
He noted that genuine citizen participation remains the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, stressing that the summit’s focus on institutionalizing dialogue between the people and policymakers was a positive step toward strengthening democratic culture.
“This summit underscores the growing recognition that democracy thrives when the voices of citizens are not only heard but also reflected in governance outcomes,” Adekunle said. “The NOA, as the interface between government and the people, views this as a timely intervention to rebuild trust, strengthen civic consciousness, and promote accountability across all levels of leadership.”
Adekunle further applauded the South-West governors and other stakeholders for their collective dedication to promoting inclusive governance and pledged that the NOA would continue mobilizing and sensitizing citizens for greater participation in governance and national development efforts.
The regional town hall dialogue featured robust discussions among governors, ministers, senior federal government officials, and other key actors, who all emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, traditional institutions, and citizens. Participants agreed that such synergy is essential to achieving inclusive development, social cohesion, and sustainable peace across the South-West region.
