The National Orientation Agency (NOA) under Tinubu’s administration has launched a three-month sensitization campaign for the new national anthem.
On Tuesday, the NOA kicked off Enugu State’s public awareness campaign for Nigeria’s new national anthem and the national values charter.
In May, Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, reinstating the country’s old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Speaking to journalists at the Federal Secretariat in Enugu, NOA State Director, Mrs. Clara Nwachukwu, emphasized the importance of the campaign, citing Nigeria’s diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious makeup. She noted that since independence, the country has struggled with its national identity.
Mrs. Nwachukwu highlighted that Tinubu’s administration is focused on promoting national unity, declaring that “we must build Nigerians to build Nigeria” through these sensitization and reorientation efforts.
She said, “Therefore, in compliance with the directives from the National Headquarters, Abuja, the National Orientation Agency, Enugu State is kick-starting a three- month state-wide sensitization and public enlightenment campaign on Nigeria’s National Anthem and National Value Charter today being Tuesday, the 8th day of October 2024.
“The aim of the programme is to re-orientate and redirect Nigerians, regardless of class, ethnicity, or religion toward the values and principles that have long been associated with our culture and have been the foundation of our institutions and society.
“The introduction of the New National Anthem and the National Values Charter ushers in an important milestone for national pride and identity. This action reflects the changing ideals and aspirations of the nation.
“Values may be defined as accepted principles or standard of behaviour that are used to characterise individuals and societies.
“The National Values Charter is categorized into two: the Nigerian Promise (the promises made by the Nigerian State through its elected representatives) and the Citizens Code (the obligations of the citizenry to nation-building). This social contract between the Nigerian State and its people is the pivot upon which countries are built and sustained.”
According to her, the nationwide sensitization is more than just a campaign.
“It is a movement. It is a movement that calls upon each of us as Nigerians to imbibe the shared values and spirit reflecting in both our National Anthem and National Values Charter,” she said. “As we move forward, let us remember that it is only through unity, respect and commitment to these values that we can achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Nwachukwu pointed out that although Nigeria was formed in 1914 through the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates, the quest for a national identity has been challenging, largely because of the growing ethnic consciousness among Nigerians.
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