⬆️L-R: Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd) and the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
In an effort to strengthen national security through increased public awareness and grassroots participation, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Homeland Security Office have moved to collaborate on community-based sensitisation and security awareness across the country.
Addressing a delegation from the Homeland Security Office, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, highlighted the agency’s nationwide reach through its 818 offices and well-trained personnel, noting that this network provides a strong foundation for effective grassroots engagement.
Issa-Onilu disclosed that the Agency had developed CLHEEAN, an AI-powered chatbot designed to gather real-time intelligence on crimes, lawlessness, health, education, environment, abuse and nationalism from its personnel across the 774 Local Government Areas through videos, text and graphics, to support timely responses to emerging issues.
The DG also emphasised the importance of the non-kinetic approach to security, noting that addressing the root causes of insecurity through public enlightenment and community engagement is more effective in achieving lasting peace than relying solely on the use of force.
In his earlier remarks, the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd), described NOA as a critical partner in Nigeria’s homeland security efforts, noting that its grassroots presence makes it well-positioned to promote security awareness and encourage citizens to play active roles in protecting their communities.
Famadewa noted that the forthcoming National Peace Framework recognises that while military intervention can restore temporary calm, lasting peace and security depend on building resilient communities and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The Special Adviser also assured the agency of the Office’s support for its proposed regional workshop, which seeks to engage traditional and religious leaders in strengthening community participation and promoting peace and security across Nigeria.
The meeting also featured the presentation of a plaque by the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd), to the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, as a mark of appreciation. In return, the DG presented a Nigerian national flag to the Special Adviser to the President.
The NOA delegation included the Director of Civic Values and Democracy Education, Mrs Olukemi Afolayan; Director of Communication and Media, Mr Bala Musa; Director of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics, Mrs Acharu Opaluwa.
Other members of the NOA team include the Deputy Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Mr Audu Mayo; Special Adviser to the Director General on Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs Sherifat Adegbesan; and the Deputy Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mr Mohammed Wase.
The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security was represented by the Coordinator of Operations, Major General Hassan Dada (rtd); Special Assistant to the Special Adviser, Lt. Col. Chinedu Chikwe; and Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Dr Otelemate George Will.