Chinedum Treasure
Natonal Orientation Agency (NOA) has restated its commitment to ensuring that the words of National Anthem were not only recited but lived out by the citizenry.
Director General of the Agency, Mallam Issa Onilu stated this on Tuesday in Awka during a nationwide sensitization program on National Values Charter and New National Anthem.
Onilu, represented by Deputy Director Procurement, Nwolisa Florence Uju urged Nigerians to sing the anthem with pride and conviction as part of collective movement for national progress.
He said, “The press conference is to address important national issues, foster civic engagement and sensitize Nigerians about the National Values Charter and the New National Anthem targeted at inspiring patriotism and national unity.
“The Nationwide Sensitization program will include various efforts to educate the public on the anthem’s meaning and significance.
“The anthem has been carefully crafted to reflect the aspirations, dreams, and values of modern Nigeria. It emphasizes unity. integrity, and progress while honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us.
“This anthem is more than just a song; it is a rallying cry for every Nigerian to contribute positively to the growth of our nation. It is a reminder that regardless of our differences in culture, ethnicity, or religion, we are bound by one identity: Nigeria.
“We will ensure that its words are not just recited, but lived out by all citizens. From schools to public institutions, we want every Nigerian to sing the anthem with pride and conviction, knowing that they are part of a collective movement for national progress.”
According to the DG, Federal Executive Council has mandated that the first stanza of the anthem be rendered at all official functions, while the three stanzas should be for special occasion such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly. Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers Day.
“Similarly, the third stanza has been adopted as the new National Prayer to further inspire unity and greater patriotism among Nigerians.
“FEC has also approved that National Orientation Agency as the custodian of the national symbols should be the source of all official symbols to ensure standardization. Also 16th of September every year be observed as National Symbol Enlightenment Day (Ordinance Day),” he stated.
While reiterating Tinubu’s administration steadfastness in its mission to bring about transformative changes across all sectors, from energy and infrastructure to education and social welfare, Onilu urged all stakeholders, religious leaders, Civil Society Organization and the citizenry to continue supporting its initiatives and work together toward achieving a more prosperous and united nation.
“The achievements of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, numerous policies have been initiated to tackle Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
“These initiatives are set to transform key sectors and uplift the socioeconomic status of our citizens.
“Some key policies and initiatives include Student Loan Scheme, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Economic Reforms, Social Welfare Initiatives and Energy Sector Reforms.
“Others include infrastructure Development, National Philanthropy Office (NPO) and Crude Oil Sales in Naira.
Describing National Values Charter as cornerstone of the current administration’s commitment to reinforcing the values of unity, the DG said the document, which would soon be unveiled by the President, outlined core principles of democracy, equality, transparency, peace, respect for diversity, and integrity, as well as providing a moral compass for both citizens and the government.
His words, “The Charter establishes mutual expectations, where the government pledges accountability and the citizens uphold their civic duties.
“The National Values Charter is divided into two broad sections namely; The Nigerian Promise (Seven Core Promises made by the country as represented by all elected leaders) and Citizens Commitment to the Nigerian State (Seven Point Obligations of the Citizenry to contribute to the nation) i.e., Seven for Seven.
“This national values charter captures the social bond that guides the relationship that exists between the Nigerian people and the state as represented by its agents and all of it organs.
“The Seven (7) promises of the Government to the people are: Equality, Democracy, Entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, Peace and security, Inclusivity, Freedom and justice, Meritocracy
“In return, the citizens are obligated to demonstrate these seven cores of discipline, duty of care, tolerance and respect for others, leadership and patriotism, transparency, environmental awareness and resilience.
“Additionally, the Federal Executive Council has mandated that these values be included in school curriculums in both basic and post basic schools to ensure that every Nigerian is educated on these principles from a young age.
“Also, approval has been given that National Value Charter be made mandatory component of resumption retreat for Federal Executive Members, National Assembly Members, the Judiciary, and other government appointees.
“The establishment of National value brigade in all schools both primary and secondary across the country, this would help to raise model citizens amongst Nigerian children as Ambassadors of values, thereby creating role models as one of the sustainability of the national identity project of the renewed hope programme of the government
“Citizenship studies to be made compulsory component of our educational systemt from primary to secondary school level of education.
“The approval of Nationalization of cartoon content in Nigeria to break the dominance of foreign cartoon in the country and to promote indigenous cartoon content creators which will also promote our values, cultures, lifestyle and give room for job creation.
“Approval of value orientation be made compulsory component of the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Scheme with NOA working with NYSC to inculcate national values on fresh graduates of higher institutions of learning.
“For the youth, the NOA has developed tools that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle patterns.”
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