By Stella Odueme
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued guideline on the proper protocol for rendering the National Anthem and National Pledge at official functions across the country.
According to the Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the directive is in accordance with established national guidelines, that only the first stanza of the National Anthem should be sung at official events.
He stressed that the third stanza serves as the National Prayer and is to be recited at the beginning of events.
“All three stanzas of the anthem are reserved for significant national ceremonies such as Independence Day, Presidential Inaugurations, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the Inauguration of the National Assembly, among others.
“The National Pledge should always be recited at the end of an event.
“The NOA continues to promote respect for national symbols and adherence to the proper use of the anthem and pledge, as part of its mandate to deepen patriotism and national unity”, he stated.
