The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the use of the third stanza of Nigeria’s National Anthem as an official prayer during public events. This decision is part of broader efforts to promote national values and symbols.
In a press briefing held at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Onilu, announced the council’s approval.
Represented by the Director of Orientation and Behaviour Modification, Madam Tessy Nnalue, Onilu explained that the anthem’s first stanza will be rendered at all official functions, while all three stanzas will be reserved for special occasions such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, and Workers’ Day.
The NOA’s campaign, part of the National Values Charter, aims to reawaken patriotism and a sense of national identity among citizens.
The initiative includes the establishment of a National Values Brigade in schools and the inclusion of citizenship education in school curricula.
Among the agency’s other achievements are the restoration of national symbols’ dignity and a new curriculum on national values, which will be taught to federal government officials, the judiciary, and lawmakers.
This campaign will also promote the use of local cartoon content in Nigeria to reduce the dominance of foreign cartoons, fostering Nigerian values and culture in the media.
Key approvals by the FEC include:
- The third stanza of the National Anthem as a national prayer.
- The mandatory teaching of national values and citizenship in schools.
- The standardization of all national symbols, including the National Flag, Anthem, Pledge, and Coat of Arms.
- The nationalization of cartoon content to promote Nigerian culture and support local creators.
Nigeria’s official anthem:
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.