Relief International Africa to Partner with National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Human Rights Advocacy and Community Empowerment in Rivers State

In a bold and promising move towards fostering a more just, inclusive, and civil society, Relief International Africa, in collaboration with the Civil Rights Council Nigeria (Rivers State Chapter), recently paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Rivers State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

The delegation was warmly received by the State Director of NOA, along with key members of the agency's leadership team, marking the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful partnership.

Strengthening Human Rights Advocacy
The primary aim of the visit was to explore opportunities for collaboration on human rights violation intervention programs across communities in Rivers State. With rising concerns over various forms of rights abuses—ranging from gender-based violence to the neglect of vulnerable groups—this partnership seeks to proactively address these issues through grassroots engagement, public awareness campaigns, and direct community empowerment initiatives.

Relief International Africa has long championed what it calls the “Human Nature Initiative”, an integrated approach that places the dignity and rights of every human being at the centre of all its projects. By partnering with NOA—a federal agency with a mandate to promote national values and civic responsibility—the organization hopes to amplify its impact and reach a broader cross-section of the population.

Building Capacity, Building Communities
Another key highlight of the engagement was the mutual interest in capacity-building programs. The partnership will focus on training local leaders, youth, women, and civil society actors to understand and uphold human rights principles. These efforts are expected to foster more informed, resilient, and rights-conscious communities, especially in rural and underrepresented areas.

Speaking during the visit, the representatives of Relief International Africa emphasized the urgency of the intervention. “At the heart of our mission is the belief that human rights are not a luxury—they are a necessity for peace, development, and community well-being. We are excited about the prospects of working closely with NOA to make this a reality in Rivers State,” one of the delegates remarked.

The NOA State Director also expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that such collaborations align with the agency’s goals of promoting civic education, social cohesion, and national development. She assured the delegation of NOA’s readiness to provide institutional backing and mobilize necessary resources to make the partnership impactful.

Looking Ahead
This visit signals the beginning of a long-term working relationship between Relief International Africa, Civil Rights Council Nigeria, and NOA Rivers State. In the coming weeks, joint planning sessions and stakeholder engagements are expected to commence, with the aim of rolling out pilot programs that can be scaled to other parts of the state and beyond.

In a time when the world is grappling with increasing threats to human rights, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope—proof that with collaboration, commitment, and compassion, change is not only possible, but inevitable.

Stay tuned for updates as this partnership unfolds and begins to make a real difference where it matters most—at the grassroots.