The Cross River State Command of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) don advise residents of the state on the new national anthem and other national values. The state Director of the agency, Ibor Otu, talk to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday about the new developments.
Otu say the agency dey mandated to communicate government policies, programmes and activities, and also to mobilise support and process feedback to government on the new NOA reforms. He add that promoting democracy as the best model of government and promoting values that will ensure peace, orderliness and moral conduct be part of their mandate.
According to Otu, the Federal Executive Council don approve the restoration of dignity and standardisation of national symbols like the national flag, the national anthem, the national pledge and the coat of arms. He explain say the first stanza of the national anthem should be rendered at all official functions, while the three stanzas should be for special occasions like Independence Day, Democracy Day, inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers’ Day.
The third stanza of the new national anthem has been adopted as national prayer, and NOA must ensure standardisation and collective respect for all national symbols. Otu also mention that every September 16 will be observed as national symbols enlightenment day in the country to promote these symbols and ensure they are accorded respect, properly displayed and handled.
The Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Isa Onilu, represented by the Head of the Department of Orientation and Behavioural Modification, Tecy Nnelue, emphasize the importance of national unity, stability and progress. Onilu say NOA dey work to promote national unity, integration and values, and to reawaken the consciousness of citizens to embrace and respect all national symbols.
