Nigerians have been encouraged to be deliberate about the words of the country’s national anthem, as its lyrics reflect deep messages of prayer, unity, and hope.
This appeal was made by Deputy director, community safety awareness and compliance at the National Orientation Agency NOA, Oyo State directorate., Mrs Adewale Abidemi, while speaking on the programme General Issues on Adamimogo 105.1 FM, Ibadan.
Mrs Adewale Abidemi highlighted the importance of understanding and living by the anthem’s message, noting that only the first stanza should be sung at corporate events, while all three stanzas—along with the national pledge—should be rendered at official and national gatherings. This, she said, helps to instill a deeper sense of patriotism and meaning in citizens.
She also urged Nigerians to use the recent change in the national anthem as an opportunity to speak positively about the country and align their words with the collective desire for national transformation.
Speaking further on the state of the nation, the NOA representative emphasized that the government’s capacity to deliver meaningful change is limited without the active participation and mindset shift of all citizens. She added that the recently introduced National Identity Charter programme was designed to strengthen the relationship between the government and the people.
She concluded by calling for inclusivity and unity among Nigerians, urging community leaders to intensify orientation efforts at the grassroots level to drive the positive change needed for the nation’s progress.
