NOA Champions National Pride, Donates Anthem Copies to Sports Commission

Abuja, Nigeria -In a significant stride towards reinforcing national identity and patriotism, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has presented 5,000 copies of the recently reintroduced Nigerian national anthem, alongside national flags and plaques of the National Values Charter, to the National Sports Commission (NSC). This timely donation aims to ensure Nigerian athletes and citizens are well-versed in the anthem, a crucial symbol of unity.

The initiative comes on the heels of reported incidents and video clips showing Nigerian athletes struggling to accurately sing the national anthem. Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of NOA, represented by Mr. David Akoji, emphasized the powerful unifying role of sports, transcending ethnic, religious, and political divides. “We want our athletes and citizens to feel proud and confident when singing the anthem. This gesture will help reinforce that sense of national identity,” stated Mr. Akoji during the presentation.

The reintroduction of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” replacing “Arise, O Compatriots” (in use since 1978), was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2024, following a decision by the National Assembly. Since its reintroduction, NOA has been actively sensitizing Nigerians to its standardized lyrics, which were carefully thought out to meet current realities. The lyrics of the re-adopted anthem are seen as a powerful tool for national unity, emphasizing unity in diversity, justice, and peace, and aiming to inspire a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s development.

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The National Values Charter, also a key part of the donation, outlines the Nigerian Promise, Citizens’ Code, and core national principles. It serves as a social contract designed to guide the conduct of both citizens and institutions, fostering a more value-driven Nigeria.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, lauded the donation as particularly timely, especially with the Super Falcons gearing up to face Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. He commended NOA’s support and reiterated the vital role of sports in promoting national unity, job creation, and economic growth. Dikko, who assumed office as NSC Chairman in October 2024, has been vocal about his vision for Nigerian sports, focusing on grassroots development and recognizing sports as a national asset. He added that the donated materials would be distributed to athletes, especially in their camps, to ensure proper rendition of the anthem.

The NOA delegation, which included senior directors from various departments such as media, civic education, legal services, youth engagement, and environment, underscored the agency’s commitment to inter-sectoral partnerships for the nation’s progress. This collaborative effort highlights a concerted drive to instill national pride and civic responsibility across all facets of Nigerian society.