FG Instructs Nigerians to Seek Permission Before Using National Anthem

Federal Government’s Directive on National Anthem Usage

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on citizens to seek formal permission before using the national anthem in any capacity. This directive was issued by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement on Wednesday, October 8. According to the statement, the requirement to seek permission aims to prevent misuse and misrepresentation of the anthem, though specific contexts where this permission applies were not outlined.

NOA’s Role in Protecting National Symbols

As part of its mandate, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is responsible for overseeing the correct use of Nigeria’s national symbols, including the national anthem, flag, and coat of arms. Issa-Onilu stressed that the NOA is tasked with ensuring that these symbols are used in a respectful manner that aligns with their significance. He emphasized the need to consult the agency before using the anthem in order to prevent misinterpretations or inappropriate usage.

Issa-Onilu further highlighted the importance of correctly displaying the national flag. He noted that the official colors of the Nigerian flag are green, white, and green, with the exact shade of green specified as “Emerald 2.0.” This clarification was necessary to maintain consistency in the representation of the flag across different platforms.

Focus on Value Orientation and National Symbols

The DG of the NOA drew attention to the previous government’s focus on infrastructure development at the expense of value orientation and social reformation. He noted that vital institutions like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and WAI Brigade had suffered neglect over time, along with the NOA itself. He stressed that the erosion of these structures had contributed to a decline in the understanding and respect for national values, traditions, and symbols.

Issa-Onilu commended President Tinubu’s administration for recognizing this gap and extending support to the National Orientation Agency. According to him, the current administration is committed to reinforcing Nigeria’s national values and ensuring that symbols like the national anthem and flag are upheld with dignity and respect.

Addressing Foreign Influence on Nigerian Culture

Mallam Issa-Onilu also voiced concern about the influx of foreign values conveyed to young Nigerians through foreign media, particularly cartoons. He emphasized the importance of creating local content that promotes Nigerian values, heritage, and culture, in order to counteract the influence of foreign ideologies that may not align with the country’s values.

Public Reaction to National Anthem Directive

The directive to seek permission before using the national anthem has sparked a wave of discussion on social media, with many Nigerians reacting to the news. Some users voiced their support for the initiative, while others expressed confusion about the practical implementation of the rule. Below are some notable reactions from social media:

1. “I see the point, but where do we draw the line? Should we ask before singing at school events?” – @NigerianPride
2. “Finally, someone is taking our national symbols seriously.” – @FlagBearer
3. “This will be hard to enforce. Who’s really going to ask for permission?” – @NaijaNewsNow
4. “We need better education on the importance of these symbols, not just a rule.” – @CultureCritic
5. “How about fixing bigger issues before telling us how to use the anthem?” – @RealNaijaVoice
6. “What happens if you sing the anthem without permission? Jail time?” – @InstaUpdate
7. “Seems like the government is trying to control everything now.” – @AfrobeatKing
8. “This is more about respect for our country than control. I support it.” – @NigerianHeritage
9. “Let’s focus on creating more local content, not just rules about the anthem.” – @ProudNaija
10. “Good move, but can the NOA also promote more public awareness campaigns?” – @PolicyAnalyst
11. “Interesting. I wonder how this will affect sporting events and schools.” – @SportsTalkNaija
12. “Permission to sing the anthem? Is this necessary?” – @SaharaDaily