By Hope-Feyisayo Temitope
The Federal Government (FG) through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has given a 72-hour ultimatum to all Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers across the 774 local government areas to learn and perfect the reversed national anthem.
The Bill which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, reverted Nigerians to the use of its former national anthem: “Nigeria We Hail Thee”.
This instruction, according to a statement by NOA, was issued by the agency’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
The statement by the agency’s Deputy Director of Press, Mr. Paul Odenyi, reads: “The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a directive to all Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers in the 774 local governments to commit the newly signed National Anthem to memory by Monday, June 3, 2024.
“This directive, given by the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, is part of the agency’s efforts to ensure a seamless transition to the new National Anthem, which is part of the national identity project being pursued to promote national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.
“The NOA is also working closely with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to ensure that schools across the country are mobilised to start using the current National Anthem.”
Commenting on the directive, Issa-Onilu said: “We are excited to embark on this new chapter in our national history.
“We believe that this new National Anthem will inspire a sense of pride and unity among Nigerians, and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to it.”
Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and the Abia state government, has praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the Bill on the reversion to the old anthem into law, saying, the old anthem reflects the nation’s aspiration, unity, loyalty and dedication to service.