“FG Sets New Tone: Nigerians Must Seek Permission Before Using National Anthem”
In a recent directive, the Federal Government has made it clear that Nigerians must now seek permission before using the national anthem in any context. This was announced by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in a statement released on Wednesday, October 8. Issa-Onilu emphasized that this move is essential to prevent any misinterpretation or misuse of the anthem, although he did not specify the particular situations where permission would be required.
“As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse,” he stated, adding that the national anthem is a representation of the country’s identity and should be treated with the highest respect.
In addition to this, Issa-Onilu clarified some long-standing misconceptions about Nigeria’s flag, noting that it is strictly green, white, and green, with the correct shade being “Emerald 2.0.” He lamented how previous administrations focused on physical infrastructure while neglecting value orientation, which has led to the decline of once-vibrant youth engagement structures like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and the WAI Brigade.
The NOA Director General also raised concerns about the influence of foreign values on Nigerian youth through imported cartoon content, calling for the creation of more local content that reflects Nigerian culture. The current administration, he noted, is actively working to correct these oversights, with President Tinubu offering his full support to the agency.
As the government reasserts control over the usage of national symbols, this latest directive is bound to spark conversations on what constitutes appropriate usage of Nigeria’s cherished anthem.
