By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Federal Government has said Nigerians must seek formal approval before using the national anthem in any gathering or space.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
According to the statement the move will prevent misuse or misinterpretation of the anthem or its lyrics.
The DG of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that this is a step towards reevaluating our value system.
“As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse. Permission must be sought from the agency to avoid misrepresentation,” the statement read in part.
Issa-Onilu revealed that sensitisation campaigns would soon be held across the 36 states of the federation to provide clarity on the agency’s new policies and guidelines.
The NOA boss also addressed the issue of the Nigerian flag, stressing that its official colours remain green, white, and green, with the specific shade of green being Emerald 2.0.
The DG lamented that past administrations focused too heavily on infrastructure development while neglecting value orientation, which led to the decline of social intervention structures like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, WAI Brigade, and even the National Orientation Agency itself.
He said Nigerians will start witnessing the benefits of the revival of value-based initiatives supported by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the Tinubu administration came under widespread criticism when he signed into law a bill re-adopting Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” on the occasion of the first anniversary of his administration.
Many political analysts berated the move as nothing short of misplaced priority. The anthem was originally written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda in 1959.
The anthem was dropped as part of efforts to rid the country of the vestiges of colonialism as many saw it as a hangover of that dark period.
The decision to drop it was taken during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Meanwhile, the announcement by NOA has triggered a deluge of reactions on social media.
“See the trivialities they’re giving much attention. What a shameful leadership!. Smart Chukwuma Amaefula wrote on X.
Martins Nelson in his own case waxed sarcastic. He wrote: Through seeking permission before using the national anthem revenue could be generated by the state which is a way of economy recovery plan and economy diversification
James Bade wrote: “This is what happens when you have confused people at the helms of affairs (sic).”
Phillip in his own case showed indifference informed by biting economy.
He wrote: “Because of the ongoing hardship caused by this administration I don’t know how to read(sic) the current national anthem. I have forgot the past one, don’t know how to sing the current one.”
Ebele’s comment came with a tinge of humour, though written in pidgin English, he wrote: Wetin you think you go get before for an anthem wet contain suffering (sovereign) motherland. Nigerians, your suffering starts Now.
Another X user wrote in pidgin English”These people no rate us at all na dis remain for this economy.
Loosely translated as, ” We are inconsequential in the scheme of things for our leaders. We are simply nothing to them. Is this what should be their concern in this biting economy?)
