Ordinance Day: NOA DG Urges Nigerians to Respect National Symbols

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols, describing such acts as a civic responsibility and a mark of patriotism.

Issa-Onilu made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja to mark National Ordinance Day 2025, a day set aside annually to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence.

The NOA chief highlighted that the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge, Constitution, and other emblems of sovereignty represent Nigeria’s unity, dignity, and identity.

“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 urged Nigerians to use the day as a reminder to uphold the values of unity, discipline, and service embedded in the ordinances. The DG also called on schools, communities, organizations, and government institutions to actively integrate respect for national symbols into their daily activities, noting that such practices would strengthen national identity and social cohesion.

“We reaffirm our commitment to continuous nationwide sensitisation and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian understands and upholds the dignity of the country’s symbols,” he added.

Issa-Onilu’s statement underscores the ongoing effort by the NOA to instill a culture of patriotism and civic responsibility across Nigeria, emphasizing that honoring national symbols is central to sustaining unity and national pride.