The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released new directives to guide Nigerians on the proper rendition and recitation of the National Anthem and Pledge at official and national events.
In a public notice uploaded on its official X account on Friday, the agency urged all citizens to adhere strictly to the established national protocol to preserve the dignity and sanctity of Nigeria’s national symbols.
According to the NOA, only the first stanza of the National Anthem should be sung or recited during official events, while the third stanza is designated as the National Prayer, to be rendered at the beginning of such gatherings.
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The notice further stated that all three stanzas of the anthem should be performed only during special national occasions such as Independence Day, Presidential Inaugurations, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the Inauguration of the National Assembly, among others.
Additionally, the agency emphasized that the National Pledge should be recited at the end of events to signify unity and collective patriotism.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting civic values, the NOA urged Nigerians to respect these symbols as expressions of national pride, noting, “Let us uphold the dignity and sanctity of our national symbols.”
The statement was signed by the agency under the slogan, “Building a People of Positive Values and National Pride.”