The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols as the nation commemorates National Ordinance Day 2025.
During an address in Abuja, the DG reminded citizens that emblems such as the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, and Pledge are foundational to Nigeria’s unity, dignity, and identity.
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He emphasised that honouring these symbols is a civic duty and a display of patriotism.
“Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself,” Issa-Onilu said, adding that “each time we hoist the flag correctly, recite the pledge sincerely, or sing the anthem with pride, we affirm our loyalty and commitment to the ideals of our nation.”
The DG noted that National Ordinance Day, observed annually on September 16, marks the historic handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence.
He urged citizens to use the day as a reminder to live by the values of unity, discipline, and service that these symbols represent.
Issa-Onilu encouraged all sectors—including schools, communities, and government institutions—to consciously integrate respect for national symbols into their daily routines.
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He reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to raising awareness across the country to ensure all Nigerians understand and uphold the dignity of the nation’s symbols.
