By Prosper Okoye
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has conferred an ambassadorial role on Nigerian veterinarian and entrepreneur Akpem Terese Shadrach, who plans to use the appointment to promote civic participation among young people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shadrach, founder and chief executive of Vet Konect Ltd., has launched a social media campaign, “Your Vote | Your Voice | Our Future”, inviting Nigerians at home and abroad to declare their commitment to voting in the next general election.
The campaign will feature a 60-second video challenge in which participants are expected to record short messages pledging to exercise their voting rights and support peaceful participation in the electoral process.
It is aimed at young Nigerians across the country’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora.
The initiative also seeks to promote political awareness, respect for democratic institutions and opposition to electoral violence.
Shadrach’s appointment comes as the NOA steps up efforts to promote national identity, citizenship and shared values. He is expected to use his professional experience and networks to support the agency’s public orientation programmes.
He and his team at Vet Konect are collaborating with the agency, led by Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, to promote its National Values Charter, National Identity Project and other initiatives.
Shadrach said the appointment was an honour and a call to greater responsibility, pledging to help extend the agency’s message to communities, particularly young Nigerians.
His professional work spans veterinary medicine, livestock development and entrepreneurship. He has also been involved in initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people and projecting Nigeria’s image internationally.
He urged youth organisations, student groups, entrepreneurs, professionals, civil society organisations and Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the campaign.
