By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onillu, has dispelled the erroneous perceptive notions that the old National Anthem was written by the Whites and should not be regarded.
He stated this recently, at the the Nationwide Press conference on Sustained Value Reorientation Campaign organised by the Plateau State Department of NOA, held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat Jos, the State capital.
Represented by Maryam Mukang, the Director General, disclosed that the occasion was in line with Mr President’s declaration that “We must build Nigerians to build Nigeria “through sensitisation and reorientation campaigns.
He noted that, it was aimed at changing the current low levels of patriotism and citizens loyalty to country and government through the National value charter and National anthem.
Issa-Onillu, therefore, encouraged citizens to dwell on the significance of the wordings because when you listen to the meaning of the song, it carried more weight not who wrote it.
“When you read the wordings of the National Anthem, it projects a binding force especially in a multilingual country like Nigeria. Our perspective need to change.
“The People’s mindsets need to change that whether it is coming from where or not, the aim of it is to make our children to know that we are one. “Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”, the DG quoted.
Earlier, the Plateau State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, has implored all Nigerians to look at the significance of of Nigeria’s National Anthem composed as a powerful expression of collective aspirations.
The State Director, noted that the campaign served as a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs that have defined the nation’s journey saying, “the Anthem is not merely a song; it is a rallying cry that encapsulates our hopes for unity, peace and progress.
“This initiative represents a pivotal moment for all of us, one that seeks to strengthen the bonds of our national identity and promote the values that unite us as Nigerians.
“In a world increasingly divided by differences, our National Anthem calls us to rise above these divisions and work toward a common goal. It inspires us to be responsible citizens, reminding us of the shared destiny we have as Nigerians.
“By understanding and embracing the essence of our anthem, we reinforce our commitment to the values it represents. We present to you, a standardized version of the National Anthem”, she emphasised.
Pam-Hworo, added that they have introduced the National Values Charter, a document that outlines the ethical principles that must be uphold as a society to serve as framework for behavior.
She, therefore, called on all citizens to unite and foster a culture that values their national identity and the principles that bind them together.
“Together, we can ensure that our anthem is not just sung but lived, and that our National Values Charter becomes a guiding light for generations to come.
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