NOA Sensitizes Citizens on Upholding National Values

By Faith Akumegbulem

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has heightened its efforts to educate citizens in Imo State on the importance of upholding Nigeria’s national values and symbols. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster patriotism and unity among Nigerians, with a renewed focus on respecting the National Flag, Pledge, Coat of Arms, and the recently reinstated national anthem.

At a press briefing held at the NOA office in Imo State, the National Executive Director of Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Theresa Mmadukwe, speaking on behalf of the Director General, emphasized the agency’s commitment to promoting national peace and orderliness through various public enlightenment programs. She highlighted the role of national symbols in reinforcing the country’s identity and the need to restore respect for these important emblems.

As part of this reorientation effort, the first stanza of the newly re-adopted national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” is to be sung at all official events, while the remaining stanzas are reserved for special occasions. In addition, September 16 has been designated as National Symbol Enlightenment Day, a day set aside to raise awareness about the significance of Nigeria’s national symbols and to build a stronger sense of patriotism among citizens.

The anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda in 1959, was replaced in 1978 by a military regime but has now been restored under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. On the first anniversary of his administration, President Tinubu signed into law the bill re-adopting “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as Nigeria’s official national anthem.

Recent data reveals that 4 out of 10 Nigerians cannot recite the national anthem, while 6 out of 10 continue to recite the older version, indicating a clear need for continued public sensitization.

In a bid to strengthen the NOA’s capacity, the House of Representatives recently initiated moves to increase funding for the agency. Lawmakers recognized the critical role the NOA plays in promoting national values, unity, and patriotism, and have called for greater investment in its activities.

NOA’s State Director in Imo, Stellamaris Demian Igwe, commended the efforts of local communities in embracing the agency’s programs and urged for greater collaboration to ensure that NOA’s initiatives are fully realized. 

She stressed the importance of collective effort to ensure the agency’s projects have a lasting impact, particularly in promoting national unity and upholding Nigerian values across the state.

This campaign is a vital part of NOA’s mission to promote a sense of national identity and build a stronger, more patriotic Nigeria.