The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released an important public notice to remind Nigerians about the correct way to sing and recite the National Anthem and Pledge during official events.
The announcement, titled “Correct Application of the National Anthem”, was shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, October 17, 2025.
According to the NOA, the public must take note of the proper protocol to ensure respect for the country’s national symbols. The agency outlined the following guidelines:
- Only the first stanza of the National Anthem should be sung or recited at all official events.
- The third stanza should be used as the National Prayer at the beginning of events.
- All three stanzas of the anthem are to be performed only on special national occasions, such as:
- Independence Day (October 1)
- Presidential Inauguration or Swearing-In
- Armed Forces Remembrance Day
- Democracy Day (June 12)
- Inauguration of the National Assembly, and similar events.
- The National Pledge should always be recited at the end of an event.
In the statement, the NOA urged Nigerians to “uphold the dignity and sanctity of our national symbols,” emphasizing the importance of respecting the anthem and pledge as powerful symbols of unity and national pride.
The agency also reiterated its mission of “building a people of positive values and national pride” through civic education and proper orientation on issues of national importance.
