By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified its voter education campaign ahead of the 2026 state governorship election with an advocacy visit to the palace of the Olowu of Kuta, calling for greater public participation and peaceful conduct during the electoral process.
The State Director of the agency, Mr. Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, on Tuesday led the agency’s management team to the palace of Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, the Olowu of Kuta.
The delegation comprised Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) from Iwo, Ayedire and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, as well as the second-in-command of the WAI Brigade, Osun State Command.
Speaking during the visit, Adefarasin said the advocacy aimed at seeking the support of the traditional institution in promoting voter education ahead of the governorship election while also sensitizing the palace on the agency’s flagship National Values Charter initiative.
He stressed that traditional rulers remain critical stakeholders in mobilizing citizens towards civic responsibility, peaceful participation in elections and the promotion of national values at the grassroots.
He also urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and security conscious, noting that collective responsibility is essential in addressing prevailing security challenges across the country.
Responding, the royal father commended the National Orientation Agency under the leadership of its Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, for sustaining public enlightenment and civic engagement programmes.
He pledged the support of the Kuta Kingdom towards ensuring a peaceful, credible and values-driven governorship election in Osun State.
Oba Oyelude also appealed to the Federal Government to accord greater priority to the funding of the National Orientation Agency by making its allocation a first-line charge, saying adequate funding would enable the agency to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities nationwide.
The visit forms part of the agency’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders across Osun State to strengthen voter education, promote national values and encourage peaceful participation in the forthcoming governorship election.
