The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of respect for the national anthem and other national symbols to halt the gradual erosion of national values.

Bayelsa Director of NOA, Dr Edward Banigo, said this while speaking with journalists in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

The event was part of the activities for the sensitisation of the public on the national anthem and National Value Charter. 

He stated that the federal executive council recently approved the national values charter to serve as a guide to all Nigerians, leaders and followers in their daily lives. 

President Bola Tinubu, had on May 29, 2024 signed a bill earlier passed by the Nigerian Senate into law to readopt the national anthem used by the country after independence in 1960.

Mr Banigo said the new national values charter approved by the Nigerian government had two goals encapsulating the seven core responsibilities of citizens to country and fellow citizens.

According to him, the second goal captured the seven commandments of government to the citizens, it balances rights and responsibilities within our democratic context, serving as a bond between the people and government.

“The National Anthem has been changed to ‘Nigeria we hail thee’ which resonates with Nigerians more due to its historical context, its patriotic fervour and its embodiment of our nation’s aspirations and unity despite differences in our tribes and tongues.

“The National Orientation Agency as the custodian of the nation’s national symbols as well as the lead government agency in social mobilisation, awareness creation and value orientation.

“In line with its statutory mandate, it has designed a nationwide campaign to sensitise Nigerians and galvanise them to embrace the National Anthem and National Values Charter,” he said.

According to him, the director general of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the national values charter will be institutionalised as part of NYSC and ITF national symbols. 

(NAN)