National Orientation Agency (NOA) has assured Nigerians that it will issue a standardised version of the National Anthem after due consultation with the stakeholders.
The move is to address the proliferation of varying versions circulating on social media and from confusing the public.
The director-general of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, highlighted this issue, noting feedback from Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOS) who reported widespread uncertainty regarding the correct lyrics, instrumental, and audio renditions of the anthem.
He stated, “Our COMOS, whom we ordered to learn the new National Anthem, have reported that many citizens are eager to learn and promote the anthem but are confused by the multiple online versions.
“They have also inquired about which stanzas, if any, will be designated as the national prayer.”
Issa-Onilu said the decision on whether any stanza will be adopted as national prayer will be made after the necessary approval.
He advised government agencies that seek to play the anthem at their functions to revert to the agency for the official copy of the new anthem.
