NOA
Picnews
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued guidelines on the recitation of Nigeria’s national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. According to the directive, only the first stanza should be sung or recited during official events. The first stanza goes: “Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribes and tongues may differ, In brotherhood, we stand, Nigerians all, are proud to serve, Our sovereign Motherland”.
The NOA also stated that the third stanza should be recited as the National Prayer at the beginning of events. The third stanza reads: “O God of all creation, Grant this our one request, Help us to build a nation, Where no man is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed”.
However, on special national occasions like Independence Day, Democracy Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Presidential Inauguration, and inauguration of the National Assembly, all three stanzas of the anthem should be sung or recited. Additionally, the National Pledge is to be recited at the end of every official event.
The NOA emphasized that the national anthem and flag are sacred symbols that evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride, and must be treated with respect and dignity. The agency will conduct sensitization campaigns across the 36 states of the federation to educate Nigerians on the proper use of the national anthem and flag.
It’s worth noting that the NOA has also instructed Nigerians to seek permission before using the national anthem, to prevent potential misuse or misinterpretation. The agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that obtaining permission is necessary to avoid misrepresentation of the national anthem.
