By Peter Onyekachukwu 
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has donated 5,000 copies of the reintroduced national anthem, Nigerian flags, and plaques featuring the National Values Charter to the National Sports Commission as part of efforts to deepen national consciousness and promote national symbols.
Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties and State Operations, David Akoji, said the move was to support proper rendition and understanding of the anthem, particularly by athletes. He noted that the agency had received several reports and video evidence of athletes struggling to sing the anthem correctly.
“Sports is a powerful and unifying tool that cuts across religion, tribe, and political differences. The collective desire to win binds us together,” Issa-Onilu said.
While presenting the National Values Charter plaque, the NOA explained that the document outlines a social contract between the government and its citizens. It includes the Nigerian Promise, the Citizens’ Code, and key institutional policies meant to guide national behavior and responsibilities.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, appreciated the agency’s gesture, calling it timely and impactful, especially with the Nigerian Falcons set to face Morocco in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“These materials will help boost national pride and ensure proper rendition of the national anthem at the final,” Dikko said, adding that sports not only unify Nigerians but also serve as a major economic driver by creating jobs and stimulating growth.
The NOA delegation included top officials such as Mallam Bala Musa (Director of Communication and Media), Dr Olukemi Afolayan (Director of Civic, Values, and Democracy Education), Blessings Oyem (Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion), Dogo Williams (Director of Legal Services), and Emeka Egbugara (Director of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change).
The agency has been actively sensitising citizens on the standardized lyrics of the reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which officially replaced “Arise, O Compatriots” in May 2024, following a bill passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.