The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that citizens must seek formal approval before using the national anthem to prevent potential misuse or misinterpretation. This directive comes amid ongoing discussions about national identity and the proper use of national symbols.
NOA’s New Guidelines
In a statement released on Wednesday, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), stressed the necessity of obtaining permission from the agency prior to using the anthem or its lyrics. He stated, “As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse. Permission must be sought from the agency to avoid misrepresentation.”
Sensitization Campaigns Planned
To enhance public understanding, Issa-Onilu announced that sensitization campaigns will soon be conducted across all 36 states of the federation. These campaigns aim to clarify the NOA’s new policies and guidelines regarding the appropriate use of national symbols.
Clarification on the Nigerian Flag
Additionally, Issa-Onilu addressed the official colors of the Nigerian flag, reaffirming that they remain green, white, and green, with the specific shade of green identified as Emerald 2.0.
Public Reaction and Concerns
This directive has drawn criticism from many Nigerians, who have labeled the government’s decision as a “misplaced priority.” Detractors argue that focusing on anthem usage detracts from addressing more pressing national issues.
Reflection on Governance
Issa-Onilu lamented that previous administrations had prioritized infrastructure development at the expense of value orientation. This oversight, he noted, led to the decline of social intervention structures such as the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and WAI Brigade, as well as the National Orientation Agency itself. He credited President Bola Tinubu for recognizing this gap and supporting the revival of value-based initiatives to strengthen national identity.
Conclusion
As the NOA implements these new guidelines, the emphasis on the proper use of national symbols aims to foster a greater sense of unity and respect among Nigerians. However, the public’s mixed reactions highlight the need for broader discussions on national identity and values.
