- Citizens to follow the proper protocol during these occasions
- The first stanza of the national anthem should be sung or recited at regular official events
- The importance of upholding the dignity and respect of national symbols
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a public notice on the correct way to perform the national anthem and pledge at official and public events across Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the announcement, posted on the agency’s official X handle on Friday, urges citizens to follow the proper protocol during these occasions.
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According to the NOA, only the first stanza of the national anthem should be sung or recited at regular official events. The third stanza is designated as the National Prayer and should be performed at the beginning of such events.
The agency further clarified that all three stanzas of the anthem are reserved for special national occasions. These include Independence Day, Presidential Inaugurations, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day on June 12, and the inauguration of the National Assembly.
Additionally, the NOA directed that the national pledge must be recited at the end of every event. The agency emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity and respect of national symbols.
This clarification follows the recent signing into law of the National Anthem Bill 2024 by President Bola Tinubu. The new law restores “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s official anthem, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”
While some Nigerians have welcomed the return of the old anthem for its historical significance, others have criticized the move amid ongoing economic challenges.
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