By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KatsinaTimes
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Katsina State Directorate, on Thursday, August 4, 2025, organised a roadshow campaign from Kofar Marusa to Kofar Soro Roundabout in Katsina city, aimed at sensitising the public on security consciousness, students’ behaviour, and respect for national symbols.
State Director of NOA, Malam Mukhtar Lawal Tsagem, who led the campaign, said the initiative was designed to draw citizens’ attention to their role in supporting government efforts to restore peace and security.
“Every citizen is expected to be security conscious by reporting any suspicious movement or activities to the security agencies, rather than taking the law into their own hands,” Tsagem stressed.
He commended Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, and other leaders for their commitment to tackling insecurity, urging citizens to emulate their example by being proactive in safeguarding their communities.
The NOA Director also condemned the rising trend of indecent student graduation parties, known as “sign-out” celebrations, which often involve immoral displays. He urged parents, school authorities, and stakeholders to clamp down on the practice, describing it as a violation of cultural and religious values.
Tsagem further appealed to students in Katsina and across the North to take advantage of the federal government’s new student loan scheme, which pays tuition fees directly to institutions and provides students with a monthly stipend of ₦20,000. He lamented that many students in the region were unaware of or reluctant to apply for the programme.
Highlighting patriotism, the NOA Director emphasised the importance of respecting national symbols such as the Nigerian flag and coat of arms. He urged the state government to ensure that public institutions, schools, and offices hoist standard national flags, noting that more than half of government establishments in Katsina failed to comply with directives in the past.
As part of the campaign, NOA also cautioned residents against dumping or burning refuse in drainage systems, a practice that often triggers floods and destroys homes.
Malam Tsagem disclosed that NOA would extend the awareness campaign to schools and tertiary institutions across the state, with the aim of ensuring wider coverage and long-term impact.
He thanked journalists and stakeholders for participating in the exercise and called on them to continue spreading the message for the benefit of Katsina residents and Nigerians in general.
