By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) ‘- As the nation marks National Ordinance Day 2025, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged citizens to rekindle their patriotism and civic responsibility by honoring key emblems of the nation’s sovereignty, namely, the National Flag, Coat of Arms, Anthem, Pledge, and Constitution.
The clarion call was contained in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja .
“Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself,” the DG declared. “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.”
Precise Post recalls that September 16 is a day set aside annually as National Ordinance Day, it commemorates the historic handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence. Issa-Onilu said the day should serve as a national reminder of unity, discipline, and service, the core values embedded in these ordinances.
He also sounded a warning over growing apathy and ignorance about national symbols, calling on schools, communities, institutions, and government bodies to integrate respect for these emblems into daily life.
“We cannot afford to be a nation that forgets what holds it together. These symbols are not mere decorations, they are the soul of Nigeria.”
The NOA pledged continued nationwide awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to ensure that every Nigerian not only recognizes these symbols — but reveres them.
With the country facing rising political and ethnic tensions, Issa-Onilu’s message is clear: Now more than ever, Nigerians must unite behind the symbols that define their common identity.
