Voter Education: Anambra Information ministry sets to partner NOA

 
From Ifeoma Ejiofor
 
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, has pledged full partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to drive voter education, peaceful elections, and attitude change.
 
Dr Mefor made the commitment when a NOA delegation led by the South East Zonal Director, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, and Anambra State Director, Barr Ifeoma Chijioke, paid him a courtesy visit at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
 
He said the ministry’s “Value Reformation” mandate aligns directly with NOA’s core work of attitude change. “Whether you call it orientation, enlightenment, value reformation, or sensitisation, it’s all about attitude change. I think you are in the right place,” he said.
 
Mefor pointed out that Gov Charles Soludo had modified the ministry’s mandate and placed the Anambra Civic and Social Reformation Agency under it, making the ministry the “mother ministry” for reorientation and value reformation.
 
He advocated his “morasuasion and enforcement” model to achieve behaviour change, stressing that enlightenment or advocacy without enforcement is not enough.
 
“Since they are accustomed to it, you need to combine more persuasion with very serious enforcement. In psychology of learning, there’s what is called aversion as a form of punishment. You are aware of the repercussions before you take any action. That is the method that will work.” He said.
 
He cited the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 and “Oso Soludo” as enforcement steps against crime enablers like native doctors promoting ‘Okeite’ and ‘Odeshi’, among others.
 
Earlier, Mrs Maduekwe had said NOA sought the ministry’s backing to reorient citizens and tackle social vices.
 
“We are here to ask for your support because, naturally, you are specialised in informing Nigerians, sensitising them, and mobilising them on our values, culture, behavior, and so forth. With the reformation or orientation office also located in the state, the Information Ministry serves as the primary authority for both. So we need you to be in partnership with us.” she pointed out.