The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a significant announcement regarding the national anthem, emphasizing the need for formal approval before its use to prevent potential misuse or misinterpretation. This directive, issued by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), aims to safeguard the integrity and dignity of Nigeria’s national symbols.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed the importance of obtaining permission from the agency before using the national anthem or its lyrics.
“As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse. Permission must be sought from the agency to avoid misrepresentation,” the statement read in part.
Lanre Issa-Onilu revealed that sensitization campaigns would soon be held across the 36 states of the federation to provide clarity on the agency’s new policies and guidelines.
“The campaigns will educate Nigerians on the proper use of the national anthem and flag, as well as the importance of respecting these national symbols,” Issa-Onilu explained.
Regarding the Nigerian flag, Issa-Onilu stressed that its official colors remain green, white, and green, with the specific shade of green being Emerald 2.0
“We must ensure that our national symbols are used correctly and consistently,” Issa-Onilu urged.
The NOA boss also addressed the issue of past administrations’ focus on infrastructure development while neglecting value orientation.
“Previous administrations prioritized infrastructure development over value orientation, leading to the decline of social intervention structures like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, WAI Brigade, and even the National Orientation Agency itself,” Issa-Onilu lamented.
However, Issa-Onilu credited President Bola Tinubu for recognizing this gap and supporting the revival of value-based initiatives.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to reorienting Nigerians towards our national values,” Issa-Onilu praised.
Notably, President Tinubu signed into law a bill re-adopting Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” on the first anniversary of his administration.
The anthem, originally written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda in 1959, was dropped by a military government in 1978 but has now been restored.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was first adopted in 1960, following Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. The anthem’s lyrics emphasize national unity and pride despite ethnic diversity.
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The restoration of the old national anthem has been met with enthusiasm from many Nigerians, who see it as a symbol of national identity and unity.
National symbols, such as the anthem and flag, play a vital role in promoting national unity and identity. They serve as visual and auditory representations of a nation’s values, history, and culture.
“The national anthem and flag are sacred symbols that evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride. We must treat them with respect and dignity,” Issa-Onilu emphasized.
To ensure the effective implementation of the new guidelines, the NOA will conduct sensitization campaigns across the 36 states of the federation.
“These campaigns will educate Nigerians on the proper use of national symbols, as well as the importance of respecting these symbols,” Issa-Onilu explained.
The campaigns will target various stakeholders, including:
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Private sector organizations
- Civil society
