From Marcel Duru, Owerri.
State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA)Mrs. StellaMaris Demian-Igwe has listed achievement and challenges facing the fecility in Imo StateSpeaking with Journalists in Owerri recently She highlighted that the Key Achievements of NOA in Imo State include Health and Sanitation Campaigns built capacity of COMOs in all 27 LGAs to fight *Open Defecation* under Presidential Executive Order 009, targeting ODF Nigeria 2026.She said Imo was chosen as one of the launch states for the national campaignFight Against FGMPartnered with UNICEF and religious leaders to sensitize communities on dangers of Female Genital Mutilation since 2015. Igwe however stated that Advocacy dialogues have held in Oguta, Izombe and other LGAs, across the State,Family and Community Development Implemented UNICEF five Essential Family Practices in 75 communities in Imo.She further revealed that Civic Orientation and ValuesNOA DG visited Imo Directorate to promote the National Value Charter and Citizen Brigade for youth patriotism, stressing thatStaff training and morale boost program in the State.
Igwe opined that major Challenges Facing NOA Imofrom reports and general NOA operations areFunding for Logistics, Sensitization across 27 LGAs requires transport, media, and materials. Budget delays affect COMOs’ field work.She added that Cultural Resistance Practices like Open Defecation and FGM are tied to tradition, changing mindsets takes long-term engagement.”Insecurity and Displacement Some Communities in Orlu, Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema are hard to access due to security concerns limiting sensitization,misinformation/Digital influences and foreign media are reshaping youth values which is also a problem in Imo”
