NOA Clarifies Proper Use of National Anthem and Pledge at Public Events.
By Worldview Magazine
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released new guidelines to ensure the correct rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem and pledge during official and public functions.
In a notice shared on its official X handle on Friday, the agency urged Nigerians to “kindly take note of the correct protocol for the rendition and recitation of the National Anthem and Pledge,” emphasizing respect and consistency in the use of national symbols.
According to the directive, only the first stanza of the national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” should be sung or recited at official events. The third stanza, however, is to be rendered as the National Prayer at the beginning of such occasions.
The agency further clarified that all three stanzas of the anthem are reserved for special national ceremonies, including Independence Day, Presidential Inauguration, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the Inauguration of the National Assembly.
Additionally, the NOA directed that the national pledge should be recited at the end of every event.
Reiterating the importance of national pride, the agency urged Nigerians to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the national symbols.
This clarification follows the enactment of the National Anthem Bill 2024, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which reinstated “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s official anthem, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”
