In a bold move to reshape the narrative around Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, the National Orientation Agency has enlisted the founder and executive director of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Mr. Akin Fadeyi, as a key figure in its latest initiative, the ‘Nigeria Happens to Me’ project.
According to a statement, the project is a national storytelling campaign designed to amplify the voices and ventures of everyday Nigerian entrepreneurs who are thriving against the odds.
It noted that through compelling narratives, the initiative aims to restore hope, build national pride, and showcase the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience among Nigerians.
Confirming his involvement in a statement via his official Facebook page, Fadeyi said, “Nigeria can happen to us in different ways. Even as our story is replete with social deficits, it can be better. Demanding better is a civic duty, but we must also recognise stories that defy the norm and celebrate hope.”
Fadeyi, a veteran media strategist and anti-corruption advocate, is widely recognised for launching the national rebirth campaign ‘Corruption Not in My Country’ in 2016.
Over the years, he has forged impactful collaborations with critical government institutions, including the NOA, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Nigerian Police, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
In 2019, he launched the anti-corruption reporting app FlagIt, which received endorsement from top government figures, including Professor Fatima Waziri-Ado, who represented the then-president at its unveiling.
Commenting on the new NOA partnership, Fadeyi lauded the agency’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, for initiating a campaign that ‘tells our own story in the fog of negativity’.
According to Fadeyi, the DG emphasised the need to promote Nigerians who are not just surviving but thriving despite the country’s many challenges.
Fadeyi revealed“that the pilot phase kicks off in Lagos, with coordination by NOA’s Tukur Adedeji Mustafa. In Osun State, NOA Director Stephen Adebiyi will host our team. We aim to cover the entire South West before expanding nationally.”
He further highlighted the long-standing synergy between the Foundation and NOA, citing past collaborations such as the COVID-19 awareness campaign which secured prime-time airtime on NTA for eight months, following endorsement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Fadeyi called on the public to recommend outstanding entrepreneurs who have benefitted from government schemes like the Bank of Industry loans or other initiatives, stating, “We want to spotlight these individuals and amplify their efforts for national inspiration.
“This initiative underscores the growing need to shift national discourse from despair to hope, using real stories to connect citizens to the possibilities within their own nation.”