The State Director and management National Orientation Agency, Akwa Ibom State Directorate visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state to strengthen collaboration on public enlightenment and voter education ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the visit, the State Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, highlighted some of the efforts the Agency has made in supporting INEC through public enlightenment, voter education and sensitization programmes across the state.
He explained that NOA has continued to engage citizens and stakeholders on the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process, while providing information that would help voters understand their rights and responsibilities.
Mr. Mkpoutom stated that NOA is currently appealing to eligible citizens who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to make efforts to do so, noting that active participation in elections begins with citizens taking the necessary steps to exercise their civic responsibilities.
He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to make their campaigns issue-based, focusing on policies, programmes and ideas that can improve the lives of the people. He urged them to avoid personal attacks, hate speech and other forms of rhetoric that could create unnecessary tension in the state.
The State Director further stated that the Agency appealing to Akwa Ibom residents to avoid using social media to attack or discredit public institutions. He encouraged responsible use of social media, particularly in sharing verified information and promoting peace, unity and constructive dialogue.
Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof Anugbum Onuoha commended NOA Akwa Ibom Directorate for its continued support and commitment to public enlightenment and voter education. The REC appreciated the Agency’s efforts in taking electoral information closer to the people and described the partnership between NOA and INEC as important to creating greater awareness among citizens.
The REC noted that effective voter education requires the involvement of different stakeholders and expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the two institutions would help citizens become better informed about the electoral process.
Prof Onuoha also encouraged NOA to sustain its sensitization activities across communities, noting that timely and accurate information remains essential to building citizens’ confidence and encouraging peaceful participation in elections.
Mr. Mkpoutom reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to working closely with INEC and other relevant stakeholders to deepen voter education, promote peaceful participation and ensure that citizens have access to credible information as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.