The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols as the nation commemorate National Ordinance Day 2025.
Issa-Onilu, who spoke in Abuja on Monday, described the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge, Constitution, and other emblems of sovereignty as representations of Nigeria’s unity, dignity, and identity. He stressed that honouring them remained a civic duty and a mark 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,” he said.
He explained that September 16 is set aside annually as National Ordinance Day to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence. He called on schools, communities, organizations, and government institutions to consciously integrate respect for these symbols into their daily activities.
The NOA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuous sensitization and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure Nigerians uphold the dignity of the country’s symbols.
