The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has restated its commitment to leveraging the new National Anthem and the National Values Charter to communicate social behavioral change and patriotic citizenship among Nigerians.
According to the Agency, its commitment will also include ensuring that Nigerians not just sing the National Anthem but also understand and live out the wording.
The Director General of the Agency, Mallam Issa Onilu, stated this in Awka during a press conference about a nationwide sensitization program on the National Values Charter and the New National Anthem.
Onilu, represented by Deputy Director Procurement, NOA Headquarters Abuja, Uju Nwolisa, urged Nigerians to sing the anthem with pride and conviction as part of the people’s collective movement for national progress.
He explained that the press conference was to address important national issues, foster civic engagement, and sensitize Nigerians to the National Values Charter and the New National Anthem, which were intended to inspire patriotism and national unity.
Issa-Onilu revealed that the Nationwide Sensitization program will include various efforts to educate the public on the anthem’s meaning and significance.
He said, “The anthem has been carefully crafted to reflect the aspirations, dreams, and values of modern Nigeria. It emphasizes unity. integrity, and progress while honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us.
“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.
“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.”
According to the DG, the Federal Executive Council has mandated that the first stanza of the anthem be rendered at all official functions, while the three stanzas should be for special occasions such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, the Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, and Workers Day.
He said the third stanza has also been adopted as the new National Prayer to further inspire unity and greater patriotism among Nigerians.
The NOA boss revealed that the FEC has also approved that National Orientation Agency as the custodian of the national symbols, should be the source of all official symbols to ensure standardization, adding that the 16th of September every year has also been designated to be observed as National Symbol Enlightenment Day (Ordinance Day).
The DG described the National Values Charter as a cornerstone of the current administration’s commitment to reinforcing the values of unity. The document, which the president will soon unveil, outlines core principles of democracy, equality, transparency, peace, respect for diversity, and integrity and provides a moral compass for both citizens and the government.
His words, “The Charter establishes mutual expectations, where the government pledges accountability and the citizens uphold their civic duties.
“The National Values Charter is divided into two broad sections namely; The Nigerian Promise (Seven Core Promises made by the country as represented by all elected leaders) and Citizens Commitment to the Nigerian State (Seven Point Obligations of the Citizenry to contribute to the nation) i.e., Seven for Seven.
“This national values charter captures the social bond that guides the relationship that exists between the Nigerian people and the state as represented by its agents and all of its organs.
“The Seven (7) promises of the Government to the people are: Equality, Democracy, Entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, Peace and security, Inclusivity, Freedom and justice, Meritocracy
“In return, the citizens are obligated to demonstrate these seven cores of discipline, duty of care, tolerance and respect for others, leadership and patriotism, transparency, environmental awareness and resilience.
“Additionally, the Federal Executive Council has mandated that these values be included in school curriculums in both basic and post basic schools to ensure that every Nigerian is educated on these principles from a young age.
“Also, approval has been given that National Value Charter be made mandatory component of resumption retreat for Federal Executive Members, National Assembly Members, the Judiciary, and other government appointees.”
On his part, the State Director of NOA, Edozie Ajegbu, restated the Agency’s commitment to its mandate of information dissemination and public enlightenment towards positive values and moving Nigeria forward.
“We’ve designed a thought-out and sustained value re-orientation campaign strategy aimed at changing the current low level of patriotism and citizen’s loyalty to the nation,” he said.
