The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released new directives on the proper rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem, stipulating that only the first stanza should be sung during official functions.
According to a four-point guideline issued by the agency on Friday, the third stanza of the anthem is to serve as the national prayer and should be recited at the beginning of public events.
The NOA further clarified that all three stanzas of the anthem should only be rendered during major national occasions, such as Independence Day, Presidential Inauguration, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the inauguration of the National Assembly.
“The three stanzas are to be recited or sung only during Independence Day, Inauguration (swearing-in) of a President, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy (June 12) Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, etc.,” the guideline stated.
The reinstated national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” comprises three stanzas:
Stanza 1
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Stanza 2
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
Stanza 3
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
The directive is part of the agency’s efforts to standardize the anthem’s use across schools, government institutions, and public ceremonies following its reintroduction earlier this year.