The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a four-point directive clarifying that only the first stanza of the recently reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” should be sung or recited at most official events.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday issued new guidelines on the recital of Nigeria’s recently reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which replaced “Arise, O Compatriots” last May.
The four-point directive specifies a distinct use for each stanza. “Recite/sing only the first stanza (not all three (3) stanzas at official events,” the statement reads, with the exception of major national days.
The NOA clarified that the full three stanzas are reserved for events such as “Independence Day, Inauguration (swearing-in) of a President, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy (June 12) Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, etc.”
Furthermore, the agency directed that the third stanza “should be recited as the National Prayer at the beginning of an event,” while the National Pledge is to be recited at the end. The change to the old anthem, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, was met with widespread public criticism.