By Shedrack Frank
(NAN) The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of respect for the National Anthem and other national symbols in order to halt the gradual erosion of national values.
Bayelsa Director of NOA, Dr Edward Banigo, while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday as part of the activities to commence sensitization on the national anthem and national values charter.
He stated that Federal Executive Council recently approved the national values charter to serve as Nigeria’s compass for civic values that will guide all Nigerians, leaders and followers in their daily lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the President Bola Tinubu, had on the May 29, 2024 signed a billed earlier passed by the Nigerian Senate into law to readopt the national anthem used by the country after independent in 1960.
Banigo, said the new national values charter approved by Nigerian government has two goals which includes; encapsulating the seven core responsibilities of citizens to country and fellow citizens.
According to him, the second goal captured the seven commandment 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 mobilization, awareness creation and value orientation.
“In line with its statutory mandate, has designed a nation-wide campaign to sensitize Nigerians and galvanized them to embrace the National Anthem and National Values Charter,” he said.
The Director General of National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the national values charter will be institutionalize.
Which will see to incorporation of values orientation as part of NYSC and ITF and reintroduction and promotion of national symbols.