The Federal Government, via the National Orientation Agency (NOA), unveiled the approved version of the revised national anthem yesterday. This initiative aims to ensure consistency in the anthem’s lyrics and promote national unity.
During the unveiling in Abuja, NOA’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, highlighted the need for Nigerians to pay close attention to specific lines of the anthem. He clarified that in the first stanza, line three should read, “Though tribes and tongues may differ,” with both “tribes” and “tongues” in plural form. Additionally, line five should read, “Nigerians all, are proud to serve,” with the word “are” being correct, not “and.”
Issa-Onilu explained that the agency’s goal is to eliminate any doubts about the correct lyrics as stipulated in the Act signed by President Bola Tinubu on May 29 during his visit to the National Assembly. He emphasized the importance of the anthem as a symbol of national identity and pride, part of the broader national values program initiated by the Tinubu administration.
In a bid to create a more authentic rendition of the anthem, NOA plans to call for entries to produce a version that incorporates indigenous Nigerian instrumentation. Details on the entry process and effective dates will be announced through NOA channels in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, Issa-Onilu announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be utilized to disseminate the anthem in various local languages, ensuring broader reach and understanding across the nation. Starting next week, an AI chat room will be launched, enabling individuals to request the anthem in their preferred language.
Addressing concerns about the adoption of a new national prayer, Issa-Onilu assured that the NOA would follow official procedures to seek approval. He dismissed rumors of significant government expenditure on the national anthem campaign, clarifying that no funds have been allocated or spent by the Federal Government on this project.
The NOA, along with partners such as the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), is committed to promoting the anthem and ensuring it resonates with all Nigerians, fostering a sense of patriotism and national unity.
