The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has restated its commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian not only recites but embodies the values and spirit of the nation’s new National Anthem.
This commitment was emphasised by the Director General of the Agency, Mallam Issa Onilu, during a press conference organised by the Anambra State Directorate of the Agency.
The event took place at the Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke Federal Secretariat Complex in Awka as part of the Agency’s nationwide sensitisation campaign on the National Anthem and the National Values Charter.
The Director General, represented by the Deputy Director, Procurement, Abuja, Mrs Florence Nwolisa, said the Anthem and the Values Charter aimed to inspire national unity and patriotism among Nigeria’s citizens.
The Director General said the Anthem was carefully crafted to reflect the aspirations, dreams, and values of modern Nigeria, with particular emphasis on unity, integrity, and progress while honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes past.
‘This anthem is more than just a song; it is a rallying cry for every Nigerian to contribute positively to the growth of our nation.
‘It is a reminder that regardless of our differences in culture, ethnicity, or religion, we are bound by one identity, Nigeria,’ Mallam Onilu said.
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He explained that ‘the Nationwide Sensitization program will include various efforts to educate the public on the anthem’s meaning and significance.
“We will ensure that its words are not just recited, but lived out by all citizens. From schools to public institutions, we want every Nigerian to sing the anthem with pride and conviction, knowing that they are part of a collective movement for national progress,” Onilu hinted.
He stated that ”the Federal Executive Council has mandated that the first stanza of the anthem be rendered at all official functions, the three stanzas should be for special occasion such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers Day.
”Similarly, the third stanza has been adopted as the new National Prayer to further inspire unity and greater patriotism among Nigerians,’ the NOA Chief noted, and spoke on the National Values Charter, which he said, ‘outlines core principles of democracy, equality, transparency, peace, respect for diversity, and integrity, providing a moral compass for both citizens and the government.’
According to him, this Charter, which establishes mutual expectations, where the government pledges accountability and the citizens uphold their civic duties, would soon be unveiled by President Ahmed Tinubu.
The Director of Anambra State NOA Directorate, Mr Edozie Ajaegbu, who noted that governance is a two-way traffic, explained that the charter comprises seven promises made to Nigeria’s citizens by the Federal Government and seven core commitments expected of the citizens by the government.
According to him, the government’s promises include equality, employment, peace and security, inclusiveness, freedom and justice, among others, while the citizens’s seven core commitments involve discipline, duty of care, and tolerance, among others.
The State Director expressed optimism that if the government and the citizens can keep these promises and commitments, Nigeria would undoubtedly be in the path to tranquility, long lasting peace and progress.
Contributing, the State Deputy Director, Programmes, Mr Remigus Obi, gave detailed analysis of the third stanza of the new National Anthem, stating that its essence is to eliminate all that divides Nigerians as one people.
Mr Obi, therefore, appealed to media practitioners in the country to partner NOA to ensure that all the citizens embrace and uphold the spirit of the new Anthem as well as that of the Values Charter.
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