Reintroduction of Old National Anthem aims to Foster Unity-NOA 

By Salihu Ali, Kano 

511

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa Onilu, has emphasized that the reintroduction of the old National Anthem aims to further foster unity among Nigerians.

Onilu made the emphasis in Kano State North West Nigeria, as the agency braced up for campaigns on the new National Anthem and National Values Charter in the state.

Represented by Barrister Williams Dogo, Onilu said the reason for reintroducing and adopting the national anthem was to entrench love and prosperity.

He said, “If there is anything we desire so much in this country today is unity. Once we are united, then definitely all other things will be in place. Peace, prosperity, and other.”

The DG also explained that the National Values Charter is all about the citizen’s code and Nigeria’s promise.

“In the past, the emphasis was about being patriotic, be this be that, but there is nothing as an incentive for Nigeria to do that. If you are a Muslim, you are a Muslim because there’s a promise of Aljannah (Paradise). So anytime you are conducting yourself and you think of that promise you will be more dedicated because there is a promise. That is the approach the National Orientation is doing.”

He said the president through the federal executive Council has approved the National Values Charter as he prepares to unveil the charter soon.

The Kano State Acting Director of NOA, Alhaji Rabi’u Ado said the agency has braced up for campaigns on Nigeria’s National Anthem and National Values Charter.

Ado said the sensitization campaigns aimed to re-orientate and redirect Nigerians towards the values and principles that have long been associated with Nigeria’s culture.

He noted that the agency is mandated by law to provide the needed sensitization and communicate government policies, programmes, and activities as well as mobilize people towards Government activities.

Ado explained that NOA is also responsible for promoting democracy as the best model of government and promoting values that will ensure peace, orderliness, and moral conduct.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to uphold and cherish the country’s National Anthem and the national prayers as patriotism to the nation.

Ado said, “The first stanza of the National Anthem should be rendered at all official functions, while the three stanzas should be for special occasions such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces remembrance Day and workers day.

“The third stanza of the new National Anthem is adopted as national Prayer.”

Ado took time to inform Nigerians of the new economic policies and reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu aimed at moving the country forward.

Comments are closed.