The Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has said the new National Anthem is a powerful symbol of national identity and a unifying force for all Nigerians.
Issa-Oninlu, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja, stressed that the pledge is still in force and remains a vital tool for promoting patriotism and national unity.
He emphasized that the agency is committed to educating citizens about the anthem’s significance and promoting its recitation with pride and respect.
He said: “The National Anthem is part of the National Identity project of the Tinubu administration, being one of the seven programmes for the institutionalisation of our national values.
“The Anthem is one of the country’s national symbols, which NOA as custodian, is mandated to promote and preserve its integrity for national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.”
While clearing doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President, he called on Nigerians to understand the line three (3) of the first stanza, which reads: Though tribes and tongues may differ. Note that the words “tribes” and “tongues” are in plural. We want you to also note that line five (5) of the first stanza reads: Nigerians all, are proud to serve”. The word “are”, not “and” is correct.
He added, “On the official instrumental and audio rendition, the NOA will call for entries for the production of an authentic Nigerian melody, taking into cognisance, the indigenous instrumentation of the Nigerian people.
“The effective date for the entries and the procedure will be announced through NOA channels in the coming week. Regarding questions about national prayer, the NOA will follow the official procedure to obtain approval for the adoption of a new National Prayer.
“The National Pledge remain valid, operational. The NOA’s values orientation programmes as envisioned under the Federal Government’s National Values Charter, seek to define the Nigerian citizens’ shared identity, with clearly stated commitment of both leaders and followers.
“The Charter, operating under the “7 for 7” social contract will guide our national values for a reciprocal commitment of leaders and citizens towards building a nation we all can be proud of.
“NOA will be working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders to ensure citizens’ buy-in of the National Anthem and sing it reflectively with a sense of pride.”