KEY POINTS
- NOA launches a three-month campaign on Nigeria’s new national anthem and values charter.
- The campaign aims to strengthen national identity and unity among Nigeria’s diverse population.
- The new anthem and values charter emphasize harmony, equity, and a shared destiny.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has initiated a nationwide sensitization campaign on Nigeria’s new national anthem and national values charter.
The campaign was unveiled on Tuesday in Enugu, marking a significant effort to reinforce national identity among Nigeria’s diverse population.
Addressing National Identity Challenges
In her address to journalists at the Federal Secretariat in Enugu, Mrs. Clara Nwachukwu, Enugu State Director of NOA, emphasized the importance of the campaign.
She highlighted Nigeria’s multilingual, multiethnic, and multi-religious composition, which has long posed challenges to national unity.
“Nigeria has struggled with national identity since independence,” Nwachukwu stated. “Our diverse backgrounds should be a source of strength, not division.”
Nwachukwu pointed out that Nigeria’s formation in 1914, through the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates, set the stage for ongoing identity issues.
According to Punch, she stressed the need to move beyond ethnic consciousness to embrace a shared destiny.
“We must build Nigerians who will build Nigeria,” she urged, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s call for unity and progress.
Details of the Sensitization Campaign
The campaign, launched under the directives of the National Headquarters in Abuja, spans three months and aims to educate Nigerians about the new national anthem and the National Values Charter.
The new anthem is designed to promote harmony, equity, and prosperity, while acknowledging the country’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity.
Mrs. Nwachukwu explained that the National Values Charter consists of two main components: the Nigerian Promise and the Citizens Code.
“The Nigerian Promise outlines the commitments of the state to its citizens, while the Citizens Code defines the responsibilities of the people towards nation-building,” she explained.
This social contract is intended to strengthen the bond between the state and its citizens, fostering a cooperative and unified society.
The new national anthem features lyrics that call for unity and collective pride, reflecting Nigeria’s aspirations for a harmonious and prosperous future.
“The anthem is a powerful call for unity among over 250 ethnic groups,” Nwachukwu said. “It emphasizes that despite our differences, we share a common goal and destiny.”
Promoting Unity Through Education
The NOA’s campaign includes a series of public enlightenment activities aimed at schools, community centers, and public forums across the country.
These activities will educate Nigerians about the significance of the new anthem and the values it represents. The agency is also leveraging media platforms to reach a wider audience, ensuring that the message of unity and shared destiny resonates with all citizens.
Mrs. Nwachukwu highlighted that the campaign is not just about introducing a new anthem but also about instilling the core values that will guide Nigeria towards sustainable development and national pride.
“Our goal is to re-orient Nigerians to the values and principles that have long been the foundation of our society,” she stated. “This is an important milestone for our national pride and identity.”
The NOA’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a cohesive national identity, essential for overcoming internal divisions and achieving collective progress.
By promoting the new national anthem and values charter, the agency aims to unite Nigerians under a common set of ideals, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
