Yesterday, the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Agbanusi Ijeoma Joy, addressed members of the press during a press conference aimed at launching the Statewide Sensitization Campaign on the National Anthem and National Values Charter (NVC). The campaign is designed to foster national pride, encourage the recitation of the National Anthem with reverence, and promote adherence to a shared set of values across Nigeria.
The initiative is taking place simultaneously in all 36 states and the FCT, as part of NOA’s efforts to reorient and mobilize citizens towards building a better society. Speaking at the conference, Mrs. Agbanusi described the campaign as a crucial step in renewing the collective mindset of Nigerians, emphasizing that the values enshrined in the National Anthem and the National Values Charter should serve as guiding principles for both the country’s leadership and its citizens.
“Our National Anthem is more than a song; it is a powerful expression of our history, our struggles, and our dreams for the future,” she stated. “It unites us in diversity, and it is essential that we sing it with pride, reverence, and a deep understanding of its message.”
National Anthem as a Pillar of Unity
In her address, Mrs. Agbanusi highlighted the significance of the National Anthem as a symbol of unity that transcends ethnic, religious, and socio-economic differences. She called for all Nigerians to reflect on the lyrics, which emphasize national pride, identity, and solidarity. She pointed out that phrases like “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand” acknowledge the country’s diversity while underscoring the importance of unity.
The second stanza of the National Anthem, which touches on justice, peace, and honour, was emphasized as a call to uphold values of truth, integrity, and a just society. The third stanza, adopted as Nigeria’s national prayer, seeks divine guidance and emphasizes equality and justice, further strengthening the theme of national unity.
Mrs. Agbanusi also linked the National Anthem’s principles to practical initiatives like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which fosters unity by encouraging young Nigerians to serve in states outside their regions. She praised anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for promoting transparency and accountability in line with the values expressed in the anthem.
The National Values Charter: A Blueprint for National Growth
In addition to the anthem, Mrs. Agbanusi highlighted the importance of the National Values Charter, a document that outlines key principles guiding the relationship between the Nigerian people and the government. The Charter promotes core values such as equality, democracy, peace, inclusivity, and entrepreneurship, while also emphasizing the responsibilities of citizens, including discipline, tolerance, leadership, and environmental awareness.
According to Mrs. Agbanusi, NOA will leverage technology, including social media and AI-powered civic engagement tools like the Mobilizer App, to engage with citizens and gather feedback. The goal is to ensure that the campaign reaches Nigerians in a language and format they understand, fostering greater participation and involvement in national discussions.
Schools to Play a Key Role
As part of the campaign, schools across Nigeria will be encouraged to incorporate discussions on the National Values Charter into their daily activities. This will include regular recitations of the National Anthem, interactive sessions to deepen students’ understanding of civic responsibilities, and debates on national values.
“This campaign is not just for government officials or certain groups of people,” Mrs. Agbanusi stressed. “It is for every Nigerian, from all walks of life. We are all called to rise to the challenge of rebuilding our nation, adhering to the call of our National Anthem, and upholding the values that unite us.”
In closing, Mrs. Agbanusi urged all citizens to embrace the values of the National Anthem and the National Values Charter in their daily lives. She emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, community service, and national pride as key components of building a prosperous and united Nigeria.
A Call to Action
The takeaway message from the press conference was clear: citizens are encouraged to learn, recite, and internalize the National Anthem with pride; embody national values in their daily interactions; and engage in actions that promote unity and development.
“For together, we can build a nation that values diversity, fosters accountability, and promotes peace and prosperity for all,” Mrs. Agbanusi concluded.
God bless Nigeria!
