The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Ekiti State chapter have disclosed the plan of the agency to begin mass sensitization of members of the public on the proper use of national anthem and symbols.
The agency said the sensitisation is part of its activities to re-engineer the national mindset through value orientation and attitudinal change campaigns.
Speaking during a Press Conference in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday, the Director General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the slogans of the country as a pleasant and memorable one aimed at promoting peace, orderliness and moral conduct.
The NOA Director General represented by the Director in charge of political and Civil Education, Ethics and Values Orientation in the agency Mrs Adelaja Adeola, said the NOA have revitalising the dignity of the national symbols, such as the flag, anthem and pledge.
He solicited for the supports of the media to join the mission of the agency in re-shaping the national mindset of the people in institutionalising the real Nigerian character’ across various strata of the society.
Other move mentioned by the NOA boss includes, restoration of national symbol, approval of a national values charter to be integrated into the school curriculum, citizens value brigade against indiscipline and restoration of national symbol among others.
Mallam Issa-Onilu, stressed the importance of values orientation and attitudinal change in building a better Nigeria, noted that the agency is working towards restoring national pride and a sense of shared identity among Nigerians, explained that promoting national values will create a more prosperous nation for all.
Speaking on the memoranda recently approved by Federal Executive Council (FEC), the NOA Director General highlighted in line with the amends on National Symbols and National Anthem, that the First stanza of the National Anthem alone must be recited at every official functions, while the last stanza should be adopted as the national prayer.
He further highlighted that the three stanzas be recited on special occasions like Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers Day.
Mallam Issa-Onilu also pointed that September 16th be observed as the national symbols enlightenment day in the country and the national flag must be hoisted in public buildings.
He added that National Values Charter be made mandatory in schools for both Basic and Post-basic students and also pointed the establishment of National Values Brigade in all schools across the country, adding that it will help to raise model citizens among the children.
The NOA boss also highlighted the approval of the change of name from the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade to Citizens Value Brigade. He added that Value Orientation be made compulsory component of the One-year National Youth Service scheme to inculcate national values on graduates.
In his remarks, the Ekiti State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Adeyemi Akinola, emphasized that the National Values Charter is divided into two parts which are the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen’s Code. He said both parts consist of seven core commitments and is tagged 7 For 7.
Akinola said the first part which is the Nigerian promise include Equality, Democracy, Entrepreneurship and employment, Peace and security, Inclusitivity, Freedom and Justice and Meritocracy are all what is expected of the government to do for the citizens.
While the Citizen’s code which includes Discipline, Duty and care, Tolerance and respect, Leadership, Transparency, Environmental awareness and Resilience are what the government expects from the citizens.
The State Director General, however charged citizens to exhibit behaviors that is inline with the National core value, saying to build a perfectly working country, we must build Nigerians to build Nigeria.