NOA tasks Nigerians on respect for national symbols

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the nation’s symbols as the country marked the 2025 National Ordinance Day yesterday.

The agency said the National Flag, Anthem, Pledge, Coat of Arms and other emblems of sovereignty remain central to Nigeria’s unity and identity, stressing that reverence for these symbols is a civic duty.

In a statement, NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, explained that the National Ordinance Day, observed every September 16, commemorates the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence. He said the day serves as a reminder of the values of unity, discipline and service that bind citizens together.

“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,” Issa-Onilu stated.

He noted that the agency had, in August, embarked on a two-week nationwide enlightenment campaign on five thematic areas, including the Nigerian identity project and national symbols campaign.

The NOA boss called on schools, communities, organisations and government institutions to consciously integrate respect for national symbols into daily practice, saying it will deepen national identity and strengthen social cohesion.

The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to continuous sensitisation, pledging to ensure that citizens—especially the younger generation—understand the importance of the symbols and uphold the values they represent.