The federal government has said that Nigerians must now obtain permission before using the national anthem to prevent any potential misinterpretation.
This new directive was issued through Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Issa-Onilu explained that the directive is part of NOA’s broader initiative to protect national symbols.
The agency will be conducting press conferences across all states to inform citizens about these new regulations.
However, the exact circumstances under which permission should be sought remain somewhat ambiguous.
He stressed that the agency’s mission is to prevent misuse, and seeking permission will help avoid any misrepresentation.
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NOA’s DG also clarified the specifications of the Nigerian flag, confirming it consists of green, white, and green colours, with the precise shade of green being Emerald.
He pointed out the agency’s transformation under the current administration, revealing achievements such as the establishment of audio-visual studios and the launch of an optimised NOA website.
The NOA has also launched the Citizen Value Brigade (CVB), aimed at instilling Nigerian values in children.
Starting with 1,000 children per state and the FCT, this initiative seeks to nurture future generations of homegrown heroes.
In addition, Issa-Onilu stressed the importance of creating local cartoon content to counteract foreign values being imparted to young Nigerians.
Recall that Tinubu recently signed a bill reinstating Nigeria’s original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was replaced in 1978.
The re-adopted anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, “aims to foster national unity,” according to the federal government.
