The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to accord greater respect and commitment to the nation’s symbols of sovereignty as the country marked the 2025 National Ordinance Day on September 16.
The National Orientation Agency, which is at the forefront of the campaign, stressed that the Nigerian flag, anthem, pledge, coat of arms, and other national symbols remain central to the country’s unity, identity, and collective values.
The agency noted that citizens’ attitude toward these symbols reflects the level of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.
In a renewed effort to promote national consciousness, the NOA in August launched a two-week nationwide enlightenment campaign beginning on August 20. The campaign, which focused on five thematic areas, had the Nigerian identity project and national symbols campaign at its core, with the aim of sensitising Nigerians on the proper recognition of their national heritage.
The Director General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, explained that the National Ordinance Day is observed annually to commemorate the formal handover of Nigeria’s national symbols during independence. He said the celebration serves as a reminder of the enduring values of unity, discipline, and service, which bind the country together in spite of its diversity.
“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 said.
The NOA Director-General urged citizens to show patriotism not only in words but also in the way they interact with national symbols.
He pointed out that acknowledging these emblems in the right manner is “both a civic duty and a mark of patriotism,” adding that such respect reinforces the bond between citizens and the state.
Issa-Onilu encouraged schools, communities, religious bodies, organisations, and government institutions to deliberately integrate respect for the flag, anthem, and pledge into their daily routines. According to him, this consistent practice will help instil a stronger sense of national identity among Nigerians and foster greater social cohesion across the country.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to continuous sensitisation and collaboration with stakeholders nationwide.
It pledged to sustain advocacy on national orientation and to intensify efforts aimed at educating citizens, especially the younger generation, on the historical importance of Nigeria’s national symbols and the values they represent.
By placing emphasis on civic education and renewed consciousness, the NOA said it remains determined to ensure that Nigerians not only understand the meaning of the symbols but also uphold them as instruments of pride, loyalty, and collective progress.
