NOA Launches Sensitisation On New Anthem, Value Charter In Osun

-Calls For Collective Responsibility

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has began enlightenment and sensitization campaign on new national anthem, national values charter in Osun state, saying all citizen has equal rights with regards to Nation building.

The Agency also highlighted the significance of the National Anthem and the newly launched National Values Charter, charging all Nigerians on the need to embrace these symbols as a means of promoting unity and nation-building.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, representing the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Mrs. Olorunfemi Olubukola, Director of the RCSI unit at NOA, underscored the importance of the National Anthem as a unifying symbol for all Nigerians.

Olubukola stressed that the anthem should be sung with an understanding of its deeper meaning, encouraging citizens to reflect on its message of unity, service, and patriotism.

She emphasised that the anthem is a powerful symbol, evoking positive sentiments among Nigerians and inspiring patriotic contributions towards nation-building.

According to her, the importance of the initiative is to foster national identity and responsible citizenship.

Olubukola described the charter as a mutual agreement between the government and its citizens. “The charter is a mutual commitment of the country and citizens to the national cause, the government must fulfill its basic non-negotiable promises in return for commitments from the citizens.” She said.

“The charter outlined seven promises the government has made to its people, known as the Nigerian Promise, which includes: equality, democracy, entrepreneurship and employment, peace and security, inclusivity, freedom and justice, and meritocracy.

“Moreso, citizens are expected to adhere to the Citizens Code, which calls for discipline, duty of care, tolerance and respect, leadership, transparency, environmental awareness, and resilience.

Olubukola stressed that these values are essential to “redirecting Nigerians toward the ideals and values for which we were traditionally known” and highlighted the government’s efforts to embed these values into national life.

“Additionally, the government has made it mandatory for members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, Judiciary, and other appointees to undergo value orientation training as part of pre-resumption retreats.

This, Olubukola explained, is part of efforts to ensure that the highest levels of governance embody the same values expected of citizens.

Olubukola also disclosed significant changes concerning the National Anthem.

She revealed “that the Federal Executive Council had approved the use of the first stanza of the National Anthem at all official functions, while the full three stanzas would be reserved for special events such as Independence Day and Democracy Day. In a bid to promote unity, the third stanza of the anthem has been adopted as the National Prayer.

“The National Anthem stands to evoke positive sentiments in citizens,” she remarked, “which can inspire patriotism and drive positive contributions toward building a great nation.” She urged citizens to familiarize themselves with the correct lyrics of the anthem and to embrace it as a symbol of national pride.

Olubukola also outlined some of the broader socio-economic reforms under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which include the unification of the foreign exchange market, removal of fuel subsidies, and the creation of a Family Homes Fund to provide affordable housing.

Other initiatives include the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship, and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which will offer educational loans to students.

She thereby called on citizens to be patient and supportive, urging for collective responsibility in nation-building.