Meet Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, a dynamic force at the helm of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Delta State, where she serves as the State Director.
With a career spanning over three decades, starting in 1992, Ikolomi has seen the agency evolve from its roots as MAMSER into its powerhouse.
A proud daughter of Aragba in Okpe Local Government Area, Ikolomi is not just steering the ship of civic engagement but is also deeply embedded in community transformation, advocacy, and leadership.
In this interview with Rita Oyiboka, we dive into her remarkable journey, her thoughts on Nigeria’s national image, the challenges of changing mindsets in a rapidly evolving society, and the responsibility of every Nigerian in the quest for a better nation.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, a proud daughter of Aragba in Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State. Currently, I serve as the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Delta State.
How long have you been in this role?
I assumed the position of State Director in January of this year, so it’s been nearly 11 months now.
Can you take us back to when you first started with the agency?
I began my journey with the agency in 1992, starting as an Assistant Mobilisation Officer at the time when NOA was still known as the Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER). Over time, the agency evolved, and with it, its mandate shifted towards re-orientating the minds of Nigerians.
What prompted the change of the agency’s name from MAMSER to NOA?
The name change was part of a larger, government-driven rebranding effort. MAMSER initially focused on empowerment and social justice, but as the country’s needs changed, the government recognised that there was a deeper, more urgent need for a cultural shift in mindsets. The reorientation was about moving away from empowerment to changing attitudes and perceptions. This shift was essential in promoting national unity and patriotism, and that’s why the name was changed to the National Orientation Agency.
Did you always have a passion for working with people, particularly at the grassroots level? Or was this role an unexpected path for you?
It wasn’t my original plan. I studied education intending to become a teacher, but like many young Nigerians, I found myself seeking employment in any available position. That’s how I ended up in the National Orientation Agency. What started as an unexpected career path has since become my life’s work. I’ve found fulfilment in my role and, over the years, developed a passion for grassroots mobilisation and community engagement.
As the NOA Director in Delta State, what unique challenges do the state present?
Delta State, like many other regions, has its challenges. The role demands a lot of management and delegation. The work is constant, and while I try to be hands-on, I rely heavily on my team. One of the biggest hurdles we face is dealing with a populace that is often resistant to change. Given the state of the economy and the daily struggles many face, convincing people to embrace new ideas, especially government policies, can be daunting. But my philosophy is simple: we strive for excellence in everything we do, and that means overcoming these challenges.
Can you share some of the key initiatives you’re currently focused on in Delta State?
One of our major campaigns is the “Building Nigerians to Build Nigeria” initiative. We aim to create a new national identity that reflects positively on the nation, both within and outside Nigeria. Nigerians are often unjustly stereotyped, particularly when travelling abroad. The sight of a Nigerian passport often leads to immediate suspicion. This is the image we are fighting to change. We want Nigerians to take pride in their heritage, to be mindful of their behaviour, and to play an active role in reshaping how the world views us.
The Director-General of the NOA recently raised concerns about the agency being underfunded and neglected. Do you feel Nigeria has grown weary of the effort to build Nigerians?
This is a valid concern. Our Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has made it clear that the agency’s responsibilities far exceed the resources available to us. We are expected to reach every corner of the country, spread awareness, and implement programmes with limited funding.
Recently, the DG brought this issue to the attention of the Federal Executive Council. While I believe there is now some recognition of our concerns, funding remains a critical issue. Despite these challenges, we are committed to reaching the people. For instance, we’ve recently launched a roadshow, a rally, and a town hall meeting aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s identity. These events were covered by the media, helping to spread our message.
What is the NOA doing about Nigeria’s negative image abroad, especially considering issues like cybercrime and kidnapping, which have given us a bad reputation?
The negative stereotypes are difficult to shake, and as Nigerians, we are all accountable. Outsiders do not commit crimes like fraud and kidnapping, they are homegrown. If we want to alter the perception of Nigeria, it starts with us. We must work harder to uphold our moral compass and demonstrate integrity in our daily actions. A key challenge is that many of our leaders, once they leave office, often show a drastic increase in wealth and influence, which raises questions about accountability. This discrepancy must be addressed if we are to rebuild our national identity.
The Naira redesign was another eye-opener. We saw firsthand how people hoarded money, stashing it away in their homes rather than investing it. When the government announced the redesign, people suddenly brought out the money they had been hiding. This is just one example of the mindset we’re trying to change.
You’ve been in this position for nearly a year now. How would you assess the level of civic awareness and responsibility in Delta State, especially among the youth?
The youth are certainly aware—they are well-informed thanks to technology and social media. However, the challenge lies in whether they are willing to act on that knowledge. Many young people are drawn to the idea of instant wealth and quick success, even if it means resorting to illegal or unethical means. We are witnessing a rise in cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug abuse among the youth, particularly young women who fall prey to organ trafficking. This is a worrying trend, and it’s something we must address through education, mentorship, and the promotion of positive role models.
With recent reports highlighting Nigeria’s rising debt, where each citizen owes over N600,000 in loans, concerns arise about the effectiveness of government policies. At what point, if at all, does the agency take a stance against government policies when they appear to be failing?
As a government agency, our role is to promote government policies. If these policies are flawed, we can offer our opinions, but we cannot impose them. Historically, the agency has served as the government’s mouthpiece, relaying feedback to the authorities. However, what the government does with this feedback is not within our control.
For instance, in Delta State, it is widely known that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has not taken any debt since assuming office. We hope that one day, Nigeria will follow suit. Borrowing in itself is not inherently wrong; the issue lies in how the borrowed funds are utilised. Are they being used productively? Have they contributed positively to the economy? Unfortunately, it appears that Nigeria’s borrowing has not yielded significant progress. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful that, by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, he will be able to address the economy, particularly in keeping the promise he made when removing the fuel subsidy.
What message do you have for Nigerians who are sceptical about the country’s future?
It’s important to hold on to hope. Countries around the world have gone through periods of turmoil and emerged stronger. Nigeria, at 64, is still in its formative years. Yes, we’ve faced numerous challenges, but it’s not over. If we keep believing and keep praying, we will overcome. There was a time when Nigeria’s Naira was stronger than the dollar, it can happen again. The key is leadership, accountability, and a collective desire to make Nigeria great.
Do you believe Nigeria has the right leadership to make these changes?
The truth is, that leadership alone cannot solve all of Nigeria’s problems. The citizens also bear responsibility. We often blame our leaders, but we must also look at ourselves. The problems we face are deeply ingrained in our institutions and mindset. Change has to come from within, and it will take both leaders and citizens working together to effect meaningful change.
Apart from your role in NOA, what other pursuits are you passionate about?
Beyond my work at the NOA, I am a mother, an active member of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and deeply involved in various church and NGO activities, particularly those focused on empowering women. I also enjoy mentoring young people, teaching them that life is a journey, and sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What are your aspirations moving forward?
I still have much to achieve. While I have almost served my time in the civil service, I don’t plan on retiring to a life of inactivity. I want to continue contributing to society, particularly through NGOs and journalism. There are always new challenges and opportunities, and I plan to take advantage of them as they arise. I believe that we should never stop growing, no matter our age or stage in life.
