Nigerians must seek permission to use national anthem- NOA

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to obtain formal approval before using the national anthem to prevent any potential misuse or misinterpretation. In a statement released on Wednesday, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), highlighted the necessity of seeking permission from the agency prior to using the anthem or its lyrics.

Issa-Onilu emphasized that the NOA serves as the custodian of Nigeria’s national symbols and is responsible for safeguarding them against misuse. He stated, “To avoid misrepresentation, it is essential that permission is sought from the agency,” as outlined in the statement.

The Director General announced that the NOA will soon launch sensitization campaigns across all 36 states to clarify the agency’s new policies and guidelines regarding the national anthem and other national symbols. He also addressed concerns related to the Nigerian flag, reaffirming that its official colors are green, white, and green, with the specific shade of green designated as Emerald 2.0.

Issa-Onilu expressed concern that previous administrations have concentrated primarily on infrastructural development while neglecting the critical aspect of value orientation. He pointed out that this oversight has contributed to the decline of social intervention programs such as the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, WAI Brigade, and the National Orientation Agency itself.

He credited President Bola Tinubu for recognizing this gap in societal values and for taking steps to revive initiatives focused on value-based education and orientation. Notably, the President signed a bill on the first anniversary of his administration that re-adopts Nigeria’s original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This anthem, which was composed by Frances Berda and penned by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959, was previously discarded by a military regime in 1978 but has now been reinstated.

The efforts by the NOA and the government reflect a broader commitment to fostering national pride and ensuring that the country’s symbols are treated with the respect they deserve. By emphasizing the importance of proper usage and representation of the national anthem and flag, the government aims to cultivate a sense of unity and patriotism among Nigerians.

As part of the upcoming campaigns, the NOA plans to engage communities and educate citizens about the significance of the national anthem and flag, as well as the values they embody. Through these initiatives, the agency hopes to instill a stronger appreciation for Nigeria’s heritage and encourage responsible citizenship.

In conclusion, the call for formal approval before using the national anthem is a significant step towards preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s national symbols. With the planned sensitization campaigns and renewed focus on value orientation, the government aims to create a more unified and informed citizenry that honors the nation’s history and cultural identity.