In a bid to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s national symbols, the Federal Government has announced that Nigerians must now seek official permission before using the national anthem. This directive was issued by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, as part of a sweeping effort to prevent misuse and misrepresentation of national symbols
Speaking on Wednesday, Issa-Onilu highlighted the need for this measure, explaining that it aims to avoid potential misinterpretations in the public domain.
However, he did not provide specific details on the exact circumstances under which permission would be required to sing or reproduce the anthem.
“As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse.
“Permission must be sought from the Agency before using the National Anthem to avoid misrepresentation,” the statement partly read.
In addition to this new policy, the NOA has embarked on a nationwide sensitisation campaign, with press conferences to be held across all states.
The agency is also focusing on educating the public about the correct use of the national flag, clarifying that the official shade of green is “Emerald 2.0” and reinforcing the importance of respecting national symbols.
REVOLUTIONISING NATIONAL VALUE ORIENTATION:
Under Mallam Issa-Onilu’s leadership, the NOA is undergoing significant transformation. He cited the revival of the agency from its previously “neglected state,” pointing to achievements like the establishment of audio-visual studios, the launch of an AI-powered NOA website, and the recent approval of institutional policies by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), with the full support of President Bola Tinubu.
The NOA Director General criticised past administrations for focusing heavily on infrastructure while neglecting the critical need for value reorientation.
He noted the decline of social structures like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and WAI Brigade, as well as the agency itself, which played key roles in shaping Nigeria’s societal values.
However, he praised President Tinubu’s administration for recognising this oversight and extending robust support to the NOA’s mission.
A key component of this mission is the launch of the Citizen Value Brigade (CVB), a new initiative aimed at instilling Nigerian values in children from a young age.
“We must not let our children search for heroes elsewhere during their formative years,” Issa-Onilu said, announcing that the CVB will work with 1,000 children in each state and the FCT to cultivate future heroes grounded in Nigerian ideals.
The NOA is also addressing the influence of foreign media on Nigerian youth, with a push to develop local cartoon content that reflects national values, countering the dominance of foreign cultural narratives.
REINSTATING NIGERIA’S ORIGINAL NATIONAL ANTHEM:
In a historic move, President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the reinstatement of Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was dropped by the military government in 1978.
Written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda, the anthem reflects Nigeria’s early post-independence aspirations and will now serve as the country’s official anthem once again.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that both leaders and citizens must share equal responsibility for national progress. He explained that under the Nigerian Promise—a key aspect of the National Values Charter—the principles of equality and meritocracy are guaranteed to every citizen, whether they hold positions of leadership or belong to the general populace.
“Without active participation and adherence to these values, Nigeria cannot move forward,” he warned, underscoring the urgency of national value reorientation as a cornerstone of the country’s development.
