The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has charged Nigerians to show greater respect for the nation’s symbols as the country marked this year’s National Ordinance Day.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has charged Nigerians to show greater respect for the nation’s symbols as the country marked this year’s National Ordinance Day.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Issa-Onilu stressed that national symbols including the Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge and the Constitution embody Nigeria’s unity, identity and dignity. He maintained that honouring them is both a civic duty and an expression of patriotism.
“Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself. 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 NOA boss said.
He recalled that September 16 was set aside to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence, adding that the values of unity, discipline and service embedded in the ordinances must continually guide citizens’ conduct.
Issa-Onilu urged schools, communities, organisations and government institutions to integrate the culture of respect for national symbols into their daily activities. According to him, such efforts would strengthen national identity and deepen social cohesion.
The NOA also reiterated its readiness to intensify nationwide sensitisation and work with stakeholders to ensure Nigerians uphold the dignity of the country’s symbols.