The Federal Government has advised Nigerians to obtain permission before using the national anthem to prevent potential misinterpretation or misuse.
This was highlighted in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The NOA, as the custodian of Nigeria’s national symbols, emphasized the importance of seeking approval before using the anthem.
Issa-Onilu noted that this measure is part of broader efforts to prevent the anthem’s misrepresentation and ensure its proper usage in line with the agency’s guidelines.
To raise awareness about these policies, the NOA will conduct press conferences across all states, launching a nationwide sensitisation campaign.
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The DG also reiterated the correct representation of the Nigerian flag, which is green, white, and green, specifying the use of Emerald 2.0 for the shade of green.
Issa-Onilu further shared his efforts to revitalise the NOA, listing achievements such as the establishment of audio-visual studios, the launch of an optimized NOA website featuring an AI assistant, and the approval of new institutional policies by the Federal Executive Council, all with the support of President Bola Tinubu.
He added that previous administrations had neglected value orientation while focusing on infrastructure, leading to the decline of social structures like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and the WAI Brigade.
However, the current administration has recognized the importance of reestablishing these values, with President Tinubu actively supporting the NOA’s efforts.
The backing he said, is reflected in the recent Federal Executive Council’s approvals, all of which revolve around value orientation and the National Identity Project.
Speaking on the newly introduced Citizen Value Brigade (CVB), Mallam Issa-Onilu advised Nigerians not to allow their children to search for heroes elsewhere, especially during their formative years.
He said the NOA had received approval to establish this social institution, which will instil Nigerian values in children, starting with 1,000 children per state and the FCT.
The initiative he said aims to cultivate homegrown heroes for future generations to emulate.
He also stressed the importance of creating local cartoon content to counter the influx of foreign values being conveyed to young Nigerians.
The Director General reiterated that both leaders and citizens share equal responsibility for national progress.
He explained that within the Nigerian Promise—a key aspect of the National Values Charter—there are principles of Equality and Meritocracy that the nation guarantees to its citizens, whether they are in positions of leadership or the general populace.
He warned that Nigeria cannot move without active participation and adherence to these values.
President Tinubu on the first anniversary of his office signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem which was dropped by a military government in 1978.
The re-adopted anthem, which begins “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.
(Channels)