The Federal Executive Council has approved the third stanza of the new national anthem as the new national prayer.
The National Orientation Agency, NOA’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stated this during a media briefing, tagged “Sensitisation on National Anthem, Identity Project, Values Charter and Renewed Hope of the President” on Thursday in Osogbo.
Onilu said that the national anthem was aimed at evoking positive sentiment in citizens to ginger them toward patriotic endeavours.
“This move aims to promote unity and motivate patriotism amongst Nigerians.
“I, therefore, urge all citizens to familiarise themselves with the correct lyrics, embrace this and other national symbols of our national identity,” he said.
Onilu also said that the agency had begun sensitisation and awareness creation on “National Values Charter” which would soon be unveiled by President Bola Tinubu.
He said that FEC had also approved the mandatory inclusion of the charter as part of the curriculum of schools at both basic and post-basic levels.
“This charter is a mutual commitment of the country and citizens to the national cause whereby government at all levels must fulfil its basic non-negotiable promises in return for commitments from the citizens.
“It is a blueprint for promoting core values that will guide our actions and decisions.
“Values are principles, beliefs and ideologies shaping us as individuals,” he said.
Onilu said that the agency had developed several platforms for effective delivery of its mandate.
He also said that the national identity was highly important to redirect all Nigerians, irrespective of class, ethnicity and religion, to the ideals and values for which they were traditionally known.
The NOA boss also said that the president had taken several initiatives which would improve the quality of life and foster a sense of unity and pride among citizens.
According to him, the current reforms by the president need citizens’ patience and understanding.
