By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Directorate has urged Nigerians to learn, recite, internalise the National Anthem and embody national values in their daily life.
Mrs Joy Ijeoma Agbanusi, Director of NOA in FCT made the call at a media conference to the mark the commencement of a nationwide campaign on the National Anthem and National Value Charter (NVC) on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to her, NOA is taking a positive step to call for renewing the minds of Nigerians to collectively build a better society for us all.
“NOA is also spearheading this campaign to ensure that all Nigerians in every corner of the country come together under the shared principles outlined in our National Anthem and NVC.
“Today, we gather to reaffirm our commitment to the values that unite us as a nation. Our National Anthem and NVC are more than just symbols and rhetorics. They represent our collective identity, aspirations, and principles.
“Our National Anthem is a powerful expression of our history, struggles, and triumphs to be an independent nation. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by our forefathers and the dreams we share for a brighter future.
“Hence, let us learn, recite and internalise our National Anthem with pride, embody our NV in our daily life and engage in constructive dialogue and community services.
“Also, let us sing the National Anthem with pride and reverence, so as to promote our unity. Let all Nigerians join us in this journey.
“Together, let us rise up to the challenge of rebuilding our nation, adhering to the call of our National Anthem, and to the values that unite us,” Agbanusi said.
The FCT NOA boss stressed that our differences and diversity should be seen as strengths rather than weaknesses.
She added that the lack of understanding and acceptance of this reality forms major root of the various problems undermining this great nation’s growth and development.
According to her, critical analysis or interpretation into our National Anthem will leave no one in doubt that our hero’s past meant well for us, generations unborn and for the good of the entire nation.
“We must not allow these laudable dreams to slip off our hands. Let us all strive to do our bits to build Nigeria of our dreams by doing what is expected of us, and for the government equally playing its part.
“Nigeria, being a diverse nation, the National Anthem and NVC will provide a common framework through which every Nigerian can relate regardless of diverse ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic backgrounds.
“Evaluating our National Anthem, for instance, gives us the dreams, yearnings and aspirations of our heroes and heroines envisaged for us.
“The first stanza of the National Anthem emphasises our national pride, identity, unity in diversity, brotherhood, and solidarity.
“The second stanza addresses justice, peace, and honour. That is, national values, truth, justice, and peace.
“The third and final stanza, which has been adopted as our national prayer, precisely seeks divine guidance and intervention for national development, progress, peace, and prosperity in building a just and prosperous nation,” she said.
On the NVC, Agbanusi explained that the Charter outlines the fundamental principles that guide our actions and decisions.
She noted that it captured the social bond that guides the relationships between the Nigerian people and the state, as represented by all its agents and organs, including us all here.
“The first segment presents the critical responsibilities of the government and its officials, which includes: Equality, Democracy, Entrepreneurship, Peace, Inclusivity, Freedom and Meritocracy.
“On the part of the citizens, it emphasizes the responsibilities of the citizens, which includes, Discipline, Duty of care, Tolerance, Leadership, Accountability, Environmental Awareness and Resilience (the I-can-do spirit),” she added.
Agbanusi stressed that the Agency would also hold town hall meeting to engage the informal sectors.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Accounts in the National Headquarters of NOA, Umoru Ibrahim, said the Agency in the last two weeks has achieved a milestone in a bit to reengineer the focus of its campaign nationwide.
“The Agency is collaborating with it parent ministry, Minister of Information and National Orientation. The Agency submitted some proposals to the Federal Executive Council seeking for the entrenchment of our value orientation process.
“All the proposals have been approved,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)