*To Invite Entries For Audio Rendition Production With Authentic Nigerian Melody
*Says National Pledge Remains Valid
Towards ensuring the integrity of the newly signed into law National Anthem as one of Nigeria's national symbols, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has said the NOA under him will promote and preserve its integrity for national cohesion, unity and sense of patriotism.
He spoke in Abuja at the Presentation of the Official Version of the New National Anthem.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by him, he said the presentation of the official version will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics of the new Anthem.
He said "Recall that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed into law the new National Anthem Act on the 29th of May 2024.
"The National Anthem is part of the National Identity project of the Tinubu administration, being one of the seven programmes for the institutionalisation of our national values.
"The Anthem is one of the country’s national symbols, which NOA as custodian, is mandated to promote and preserve its integrity for national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.
"Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President."
The DG also called the attention of Nigerians to the line three (3) of the first stanza, which reads: Though tribes and tongues may differ, adding "Note that the words “tribes” and “tongues” are in plural.
"We want you to also note that line five (5) of the first stanza reads: Nigerians all, are proud to serve”. The word “are”, not “and” is correct."
On the official instrumental and audio rendition, he said the NOA will call for entries for the production of an authentic Nigerian melody, taking into cognisance, the indigenous instrumentation of the Nigerian people.
According to him, the effective date for the entries and the procedure will be announced through NOA channels in the coming week.
The DG said the NOA will follow the official procedure to obtain approval for the adoption of a new National Prayer.
He also insisted that the National Pledge remains valid and operational.
The statement added "The NOA’s values orientation programmes as envisioned under the Federal Government’s National Values Charter, seek to define the Nigerian citizens’ shared identity, with clearly stated commitment of both leaders and followers.
"The Charter, operating under the “7 for 7” social contract will guide our national values for a reciprocal commitment of leaders and citizens towards building a nation we all can be proud of.
"NOA will be working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders to ensure citizens' buy-in of the National Anthem and sing it reflectively with a sense of pride." the statement concluded.