The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has instructed all Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers in the 774 local governments to memorize the newly signed national anthem by Monday, June 3, 2024.
This directive, issued by Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, aims to facilitate a smooth transition to the new national anthem, part of the national identity project promoting national cohesion, unity, and patriotism.
Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOS) are lead officers in local governments tasked with enlightening citizens about government policies, programs, and activities.
The agency collaborates with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) to ensure schools nationwide start using the current national anthem.
In a statement by NOA’s Deputy Director of Press, Paul Odenyi, the DG expressed excitement about this new chapter in national history, believing the new anthem will foster pride and unity.
President Bola Tinubu recently assented to the bill reverting Nigeria to its former national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”
The circular from the NOA DG emphasizes the seriousness of the directive, urging community officers to learn the new anthem by the deadline as grassroots marshals for its implementation.
NOA, as custodian of national symbols, is mandated to promote and preserve the integrity of all national icons, including the national anthem.