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New National Anthem: NOA Begins Campaign To Sensitize Nigerians
A nationwide campaign to sensitize Nigerians on the new National Anthem and National Values Charter has begun.
The initiative is being championed by the National Orientation Agency, NOA.
At a press briefing to launch the campaign in Ilorin, the Kwara State, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Director, Health and Social Services, NOA, Abuja, Dr Olufemi Ayoola, stated that NOA remains committed to reengineering attitudinal change in the society and fostering national cohesion through sustained communication of government’s policies and activities.
“All those attitudes are the ones that is causing troubles for us in the country. So, Mr President has saddled us with the responsibility the to come and engage Nigerians in order to be able to change their values, to embrace patriotism, to embrace societal justice, to leave all the lawlessness that is around us.
“We should not discriminate against anybody. We are one. We should promote nationalism.”
Earlier in an address, the Kwara State Director of NOA, Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, explained that the National Anthem encapsulates the national spirit and the commitment to building a just and prosperous nation.
On the variations in tone of the new national anthem and the manner it is being recited, Mr Adeyemi announced that the agency would collaborate with relevant agencies and come up with an approved standard tone to ensure that the meaning of the lyrics were not lost.
Speaking on the National Values Charter, Mr Adeyemi said it is a social contract which in fourteen points, defines the roles of the leaders and the people, in accordance with the constitution.
“| want to reiterate that this nationwide sensitization campaign is mot just a government initiative; it is a national movement. Every Nigerian, regardless of their background or status, has a role to play in building the Nigeria of our dreams.
“By embracing the values enshrined in our National Anthem and the National Values Charter, we can foster a spirit of unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility that will guide our journey toward a stronger, more prosperous nation.”
The Kwara State Director of NOA said that the campaign which will be a continuous exercise, will rekindle loyalty to the Nigerian State, promote civic responsibility, ensure integration of the National Values Charter into school curriculum, engage Nigerians in the diaspora and partner with the media for far reaching effect.
The National Values Charter contains both the Nigerian Promise, a seven point promises binding on elected leaders and; the Citizen’s Code, which is also a seven point obligations binding on citizens for national development.
The values include Equality, Inclusivity, Meritocracy, Discipline, Tolerance and Respect, as well as Dignity of Labour.
Reporting: Rasheedat Iliyas,
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
