The Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Plateau State, Mrs Kaneng T-Pam Hworo has engaged Media Practitioners and Citizens of the State on the need to prioritize the National Anthem and National Values.
She made this known during a Press Conference on the “Sensitization on the National Anthem and the National Values Charter which held on Tuesday 15th October, 2024 at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
While hinting that the initiative is a nationwide sensitization campaign aimed to expose Nigerians to the importance of the National Anthem and National Values, she highlighted that the National Anthem is significant as it is composed of the powerful expression of the Citizens’ collective aspirations. She said the National Anthem serves as a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs that have defined the Nation’s journey.
In her words “the Anthem is not merely a song, it is a rallying cry that encapsulates our hopes for unity, peace, and progress.
“In a World increasingly divided by difference, our National Anthem calls us to rise above those divisions and work toward a common goal. It inspires us to be responsible Citizens, reminding us of the shared destiny we have as Nigerians. By understanding and embracing the essence of our anthem, we reinforce our commitment to the values it represents”
She also introduced the National Value Charter which according to her is a document that outlines the ethical principles the Citizens must uphold and serves as a framework for citizens’ behavior, guiding them in their interactions with one another and with the Nation.
“The Charter emphasizes values such as integrity, accountability, respect for human rights and national unity – principles that are essential for building a prosperous and equitable society” she posited.
She further disclosed that the campaign aims to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of these vital elements of national identity.
She also stated that the National Value comprised of Seven (7) for Seven reciprocal commitments between the Country and the Citizens. For the Nation, she said the commitments include equality, democracy, entrepreneurship and employment, peace and security, inclusivity, freedom and justice and meritocracy. While she said the commitments of the Citizens are discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability and environmental awareness.
She averred that the implementation strategies for the sensitization campaigns will include media campaigns, collaboration with stakeholders and community engagements.
She admonished all Nigerians to participate actively in the campaign which she termed vital by uniting to celebrate the National Anthem and uphold the values that define them as a Nation.
She charged Schools to integrate the National Anthem into their daily lives and called on community Leaders to facilitate discussions around the national value charter.
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