BY LAW IBITOYE
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has said the Federal Government would henceforth provide free, accessible HIV testing and counseling services to those living with the virus.
Addressing journalists at a Press Conference tagged “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development” at the flag off of Nationwide Sensitization campaigns on the World HIV Day, Security Awareness, Discouraging Get Rich Quick Syndrome, World Human Rights Day, and the Tax Reform Bills, held at the office of the National Orientation Agency, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The Director-General (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said government has intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide, ensure antiretroviral treatment to people living with HIV/AIDS nationwide, and also partner with local and international organizations to combat the stigma and discrimination.
Saying that government alone cannot win the fight against HIV/AIDS, the D-G ably represented by the Director, Community Reach Out and Development, National Orientation Agency, Mrs Olubukola Olorunfemi, urged citizens to take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviours and support those living with HIV/AIDS adding that they have a big role to play in halting the spread.
Speaking on security which according to him remains a top priority for the government, Mallam Issa-Onilu explained that efforts to address insecurity include; Strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training and increased funding for security agencies, expanding policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement, deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering to combat criminal activities. He advised citizens to be conscious of the fact that security is everybody’s business.
Stressing further, towards Shunning the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome, the D-G said government has implemented youth empowerment programmes such as the National Social Investment programme (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives, supported small and medium enterprises through grants and loans to promote entrepreneurship, criminalized fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
Urging that citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hardwork and the various opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.
On the aspect of World Human Rights Day, the NOA boss noted that government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian saying that the recent efforts include; strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violation including gender-based violence and child trafficking: Establishing support centers for survivors of abuse and violence in collaboration with Civil Society, and promoting constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.
Mallam Issa-Onilu, also talked about Tax Reform which has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues like multiple taxation and its impact on low income earners.
Highlighting the bills which are; The Nigeria Tax Bill, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, the D-G explained that with the bills under four different legislation, that government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing, support for low income earners, simpler and transparent processes, and visible impact of taxes.
Describing media as indispensable in shaping public perceptions and attitudes, the Director General urged media to partner the agency in spreading the messages.