The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has debunked reports claiming that citizens must obtain permission from the agency to use the National Anthem.
NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, clarified during an interview with Radio Kwara that the agency, as the custodian of national symbols, is responsible for providing the correct melodies of the National Anthem.
He also emphasised that individuals or organisations producing national flags or using them for commercial purposes should ensure they obtain the correct versions from the NOA.
Issa-Onilu highlighted that state offices of the agency are actively conducting programs to educate Nigerians on the lyrics of the reintroduced National Anthem.
He explained that recent approvals by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) mandate that only the first stanza of the National Anthem be sung at official government functions, while all three stanzas will be reserved for special occasions, such as Democracy Day and the opening of parliament.
Additionally, Issa-Onilu noted that the third stanza of the anthem has now been designated as a national prayer.
In line with this directive, the NOA has released the correct and authentic lyrics of the National Anthem as part of its initiative to promote the newly enacted National Anthem Act, signed by the President.
The correct lyrics of the National Anthem are as follows:
Stanza 1
Nigeria, we hail thee
Our dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Stanza 2
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle, honoured,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
Stanza 3
O God of all creation
Grant this our one request.
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
NOA therefore calls on all citizens to ignore such misleading reports freely use the National Anthem, and simultaneously respect and honour the national symbols, which embody our nation’s aspirations and unity.
