NOA Releases Official Corrections to National Anthem Lyrics, Urges Nationwide Compliance for Uniform Rendition
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a formal clarification and correction of several commonly misquoted words and phrases in Nigeria’s national anthem, as part of efforts to ensure uniformity and uphold the sanctity of national symbols.
In a statement released by the agency's Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the NOA highlighted discrepancies that have crept into public renditions of the anthem over time. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the original composition to maintain consistency, especially during official ceremonies and national events.
According to the NOA, key corrections to the anthem include:
- The correct wording is “tribes” and “tongues”, not “tribe” and “tongue”.
- The proper phrasing is “Nigerians all are proud to serve”, rather than “Nigerians all and proud to serve”.
- The anthem's closing line should read “Nigeria may be blessed”, not “Nigeria shall be blessed”.
“These corrections reflect the accurate and original lyrics of the national anthem, and it is essential for all Nigerians to adhere to them,” Issa-Onilu stated. “As a symbol of our unity and national identity, the anthem must be rendered correctly and uniformly across all sectors of society.”
The NOA further reminded the public that only the first stanza of the anthem is to be sung at official functions, while the third stanza is designated as the national prayer, to be recited at the beginning of formal events.
Schools, government institutions, security agencies, and the media have been urged to take note of these updates and ensure proper use of the anthem going forward.
The Director-General called on all citizens to treat the national anthem with the reverence it deserves, as it reflects the nation’s collective aspirations and pride.
“This is not just about getting the words right—it is about showing respect for our national identity and promoting unity across our diverse society,” the statement concluded.
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