By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Bauchi State has called on Nigerians to restore respect for national symbols as a critical foundation for identity, security and development.
The Acting State Director, Adamu Umar Sarkinyara, made the call yesterday while commemorating the National Ordinance Day yesterday held at the Federal Secretariat Complex Conference Room, Bauchi.
Speaking on the theme, “Restoration of Respect for National Symbols,” with sub-theme, “A Critical Component for National Identity, Security and Development,” Adamu Sarkinyara said the campaign was anchored on the NOA Nigerian Identity Project.
According to him, the flagship project is designed to rekindle patriotism, unity and pride in being Nigerian, stressing that a nation that disrespects its symbols lacks identity.
He listed the seven core national symbols as the National Flag which represents unity in diversity, the Coat of Arms for authority and sovereignty, the National Anthem as collective aspiration and the National Pledge as commitment to service.
Others are the National ID Card as proof of citizenship, the Nigerian Passport as pride before the world and the Naira as a sign of economic independence, warning that abusing them devalues the country.
Adamu Sarkinyara explained that respect for symbols teaches belonging and builds One Nigeria, while disrespect breeds lawlessness, noting that those who abuse the Naira are likely to vandalize public property.
He added that development requires discipline, saying civic discipline grows when citizens stand for the Anthem, respect for the Naira protects the currency and proper handling of the Passport shapes global perception.
To drive the campaign, the NOA unveiled a five-point strategy including mass mobilization across the 20 LGAs, institutionalization in schools and religious bodies, enforcement of relevant Acts, media campaigns in Hausa, English and Pidgin, and partnership with NIMC, NIS, CBN and traditional leaders.
The Director urged residents to adopt the slogan “My Symbol, My Pride,” and commit to flying the Flag right, singing the Anthem with meaning, handling the Naira with respect and valuing the ID Card and Passport.
