Oyo NOA Reiterates Sensitisation on FG’s Ban on Small-Packaged Alcohol

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has directed its workforce to embark on a sweeping nationwide sensitisation campaign on the Federal Government’s ban on sachet alcohol and other small-packaged alcoholic drinks, including PET and small bottles.

The initiative is aimed at reinforcing responsible consumption, galvanising public understanding, and securing stakeholder cooperation.

The message was conveyed during the annual Ramadan lecture at the Police Central Mosque, State Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, themed “Islamic Panacea to Youth Restiveness in the 21st Century.”

Speaking at the event, the Head of Media and Communications, Oyo State Directorate, Mr. Isiaka Kehinde, who represented the State Director, Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande, urged the public—especially the media—to ensure the campaign gains firm traction. He noted that the Federal Government’s objective is to stem the tide of alcohol-related crimes, improve public health outcomes, and promote safer communities, as directed by the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

He emphasised that supporting the initiative is a civic responsibility and a mark of responsible citizenship. The joint effort by NOA and NAFDAC, he stated, is backed by legislative resolution and took effect from January 1, 2026. He added that reducing access to small-packaged alcohol would help curb criminal activities often fueled by substance abuse.

Mr. Kehinde also highlighted other measures undertaken by the Agency to address youth restiveness. These include the deployment of NOA’s “Chleen” and other AI-generated animated educational content targeting young people, as well as the expansion of specialised departments such as Abuse Rights and Narcotics, Community Awareness and Compliance, Community Outreach, and Youth Engagement and Inclusion. He noted that sustained nationwide youth-focused campaigns remain a priority for the Agency.

Earlier, the guest lecturer, Professor Muritala K. Kareem of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, delivered a lecture titled “Islamic Panacea to Youth Restiveness in the 21st Century.” He called on parents and guardians to complement academic education with the teaching of four essential virtues.

According to him, children should be instilled with belief in and fear of God; encouraged to perform good deeds; taught to always speak the truth; and guided to practise patience in all their dealings. He urged all stakeholders to deliberately nurture and protect the youth by instilling spirituality and accountability, noting that “a day with God is like a thousand days on earth.”

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