The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ekiti State Directorate, has urged citizens to desist from indiscriminate burning of bushes, farmlands, and refuse, especially during the dry season.
The State Director of NOA, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akomolede, stated that bush burning poses serious dangers to lives, property, food security, and the environment. She noted that the practice often leads to uncontrollable fire disaster,destruction of crops, loss of wildlife, and can result in fatal accidents and air pollution, which negatively affects public health.
Mrs. Akomolede called on farmers, hunters, and members of the public to adopt safer and environmentally friendly alternatives, stressing that everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. She urged community leaders, youth groups, and traditional institutions to help spread this message at the grassroots level.
In addition, the NOA Ekiti boss seized the opportunity to encourage all eligible citizens who are yet to register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Mrs Akomolede,participation in the electoral process is a civic duty and a vital means for citizens to contribute to good governance and national development.
She emphasized that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, registered, and actively involved in the decision-making process through voting.
Mrs. Akomolede appealed to radio and television stations across the state to support this sensitization by giving wide publicity to the messages against bush burning and the importance of INEC registration.
The National Orientation Agency remains committed to promoting responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and national development ,the NOA boss concluded.