NOA gives officers 72 hours to learn reversed anthem
• Abia govt, Eno hail President for reversion
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to all its Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers across the 774 local government areas to learn and perfect the reversed national anthem.
The Nation had reported that President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, assented to the Bill that reverted Nigerians to the use of its former national anthem: Nigeria We Hail Thee.
This directive, according to a statement by NOA, was issued by the agency’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
The statement by the agency’s Deputy Director of Press, Mr. Paul Odenyi, reads: “The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a directive to all Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers in the 774 local governments to commit the newly signed National Anthem to memory by Monday, June 3, 2024.
“This directive, given by the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, is part of the agency’s efforts to ensure a seamless transition to the new National Anthem, which is part of the national identity project being pursued to promote national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.
“The NOA is also working closely with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to ensure that schools across the country are mobilised to start using the current National Anthem.”
Commenting on the directive, Issa-Onilu said: “We are excited to embark on this new chapter in our national history.
“We believe that this new National Anthem will inspire a sense of pride and unity among Nigerians, and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to it.”
Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has hailed President Bola Tinubu for signing the Bill on the reversion to the old anthem into law.
He said the old anthem reflects the nation’s aspiration and gives credence to the anthem of his state, which harps on unity, loyalty and dedication to service.
Also, the Abia State government praised the President for assenting to the Bill that reverted to the old national anthem.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja, the Special Adviser on Disability Matters to the state government, Mr. David Anyaele, said: “I hate to sing ‘Arise O Compatriots.’ I don’t sing it. I thank President Tinubu for throwing it away.”
Also, the President Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr. Stephen Panya, has urged the Federal Government to retain the lyrics in the old national anthem for its symphony.
