Nigerians have been urged by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to proudly and firmly sing the new national anthem as part of a larger effort to advance the country.
This was said by Mallam Issa Onilu, the Agency’s director general, at a news conference on Tuesday in Awka regarding a national awareness campaign focused on the National Values Charter and the New National Anthem.
Nwolisa Florence Uju, Deputy Director of Procurement, spoke on behalf of Onilu, who reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to making sure Nigerians lived up to the Anthem’s lyrics.
“The purpose of the press conference is to raise awareness of the National Values Charter and the New National Anthem, as well as to address significant national issues and encourage civic engagement,” he stated.
“Some initiatives will be part of the Nationwide Sensitization program to inform the public about the significance and meaning of the anthem.
“The song has been thoughtfully composed to capture the ideals, hopes, and aspirations of contemporary Nigeria. It honors the sacrifices made by those who came before us and places an emphasis on growth, unity, and integrity.
“This anthem is a call to action for all Nigerians to constructively contribute to the development of our country; it is more than just a song. It serves as a reminder that we are all Nigerians, despite of our cultural, ethnic, or religious distinctions.
The DG claims that the Federal Executive Council has ordered that the anthem’s first verse be played at all official events, while the remaining three verses should be reserved for noteworthy occasions like Independence Day, Democracy Day, and the National Assembly’s inauguration. Workers’ Day, Children’s Day, and Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
In a similar vein, the third stanza has been declared the new National Prayer in an effort to strengthen Nigerians’ sense of solidarity and patriotism.
“In order to maintain uniformity, the FEC has also authorized that the National Orientation Agency, which is in charge of maintaining the national symbols, serve as the source of all official symbols. Additionally, September 16th is designated as National Symbol Enlightenment Day (Ordinance Day) each year,” he said.
Reiterating Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to implementing revolutionary changes in every area—from infrastructure and energy to social welfare and education—Onilu called on all parties involved, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public, to continue supporting its programs and cooperating to create a more prosperous and cohesive country.
“The present administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has implemented a number of initiatives to address Nigeria’s social and economic issues.
“These programs are expected to improve our citizens’ socioeconomic standing and change important industries.
“The Student Loan Scheme, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Economic Reforms, Social Welfare Initiatives, and Energy Sector Reforms are a few important policies and programs.
“The National Philanthropy Office (NPO), infrastructure development, and crude oil sales in Naira are some more.
In addition to providing a moral compass for both citizens and the government, the DG described the National Values Charter as the cornerstone of the current administration’s commitment to upholding the values of unity. The document, which the President is expected to unveil soon, outlined the fundamental principles of democracy, equality, transparency, peace, respect for diversity, and integrity.
According to him, “The Charter creates expectations for both parties, where citizens fulfill their civic responsibilities and the government promises accountability.
“The Nigerian Promise (the seven core promises made by the nation as represented by all elected leaders) and Citizens Commitment to the Nigerian State (the seven point obligations of the citizens to contribute to the nation), or Seven for Seven, are the two main sections of the National Values Charter.
“The social ties that govern the relationship between the Nigerian people and the state, as represented by its agents and all of its agencies, are encapsulated in this national values charter.
“The government has made seven (7) pledges to the people: peace and security, entrepreneurship and job opportunities, democracy, equality, Justice, freedom, and inclusivity 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.
“The establishment of National value brigade in all schools both primary and secondary across the country, this would help to raise model citizens amongst Nigerian children as Ambassadors of values, thereby creating role models as one of the sustainability of the national identity project of the renewed hope programme of the government
“Citizenship studies to be made compulsory component of our educational systemt from primary to secondary school level of education.
“The approval of Nationalization of cartoon content in Nigeria to break the dominance of foreign cartoon in the country and to promote indigenous cartoon content creators which will also promote our values, cultures, lifestyle and give room for job creation.
“Approval of value orientation be made compulsory component of the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Scheme with NOA working with NYSC to inculcate national values on fresh graduates of higher institutions of learning.
State Director, NOA, Edozie Ajegbu restated the Agency’s committement 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.
“The Nigerian Promise (the seven core promises made by the nation as represented by all elected leaders) and Citizens Commitment to the Nigerian State (the seven point obligations of the citizens to contribute to the nation), or Seven for Seven, are the two main sections of the National Values Charter.
“The social ties that govern the relationship between the Nigerian people and the state, as represented by its agents and all of its agencies, are encapsulated in this national values charter.
“The government has made seven (7) pledges to the people: peace and security, entrepreneurship and job opportunities, democracy, equality, Justice, freedom, and inclusivity Meritocracy
