The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ondo state has attributed a lack of resources as a hindrance in performing its role as one of the critical stakeholders in the state’s November 16 governorship election.

The revelation came as electorates, especially critics continued to query the underperformance of the NOA in sensitising the people to voter education ahead of the exercise. 

Speaking at a two-day seminar for media practitioners organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Akure, the acting state director of the NOA, James Adekunle, said the agency had a staff shortage and was severely underfunded.

“NOA is underfunded. We only have one operational vehicle in the whole of Ondo State. Unfortunately, we are very limited with resources and staff,” said Mr Adekunle, represented by a director in the agency, Wale Obanigba. 

“And for the coming election, we don’t have resources. We know our duty, but how do we carry it out? We have not received any funds. We are not funded very well. However, we will try our best even with the limited resources.”

At the seminar, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not under any pressure as it began the countdown to the election.

Ms Babalola said INEC has begun training critical stakeholders and has met with political party leaders ahead of the exercise, with 2,053,061 registered voters.

Also, the REC said the electoral umpire had met with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and maritime workers to ensure a successful poll.

“We don’t want to be under any pressure for this election. We have also had training on effective fire and safety management for our staff to know what to do when there is a fire outbreak. We are trying to make our environment conducive for all our staff,” Ms Babalola added. 

The executive director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, explained that the media plays a critical role in election coverage; hence the training to remind practitioners of their functions and tasks.

Peoples Gazette reports that the IPC organised the two-day seminar for journalists in partnership with CEMESO as part of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGII).