Disrespect for national symbols undermines unity — NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to renew their respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols, warning that disregard for these emblems of sovereignty undermines unity, dignity, and patriotism.

Addressing journalists, civil society groups, and stakeholders in Uyo as the nation commemorates the 2025 National Ordinance Day, the Akwa Ibom State Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said national symbols such as the flag, coat of arms, anthem, pledge, and constitution should be treated with utmost reverence.

“Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself. 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,” Mkpoutom declared.

He explained that September 16 is set aside annually to commemorate the formal handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence, describing the day as a time to reflect on the shared values of unity, discipline, and service.

According to him, respect for national symbols should not be limited to official ceremonies, but consciously integrated into schools, communities, workplaces, and government institutions. “Deepening national identity and strengthening cohesion starts with the small acts of honouring what binds us as one people,” he stressed.

Mr. Mkpoutom further revealed that the Agency is rolling out renewed sensitisation campaigns across all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, urging NOA officers to ensure that the message penetrates schools, markets, and grassroots communities.

The Director also lamented the growing culture of indecent student sign-out practices during graduation ceremonies, describing it as a disturbing trend that devalues societal norms and projects the nation negatively to the outside world.

“While the practice may initially appear harmless, its negative implications are far-reaching. It encourages moral laxity, stains our cultural decency, damages family reputation, and even strains household finances in the name of reckless celebrations,” he cautioned.

He emphasised that the sign-out fad runs contrary to the spirit of discipline and respect that Nigeria’s national symbols embody, insisting that the youth must be redirected to embrace patriotism, decency, and responsibility.

Mkpoutom therefore charged schools, parents, and communities to work with the Agency in curbing such behaviours, noting that failure to act now could breed deeper social vices among the younger generation.

“National identity is not just in symbols, it is in how we live, how we carry ourselves, and how we portray Nigeria to the world. The habits we encourage among our students today will shape the moral backbone of our future leaders,” he said.

Stakeholders present at the event, including members of the Forum for Peace and Progress and several civil society organisations, pledged their support to collaborate with NOA in spreading the campaign across the state.

In their goodwill messages, participants noted that restoring respect for national symbols would help rekindle patriotism and heal divisions in the country, especially at a time when national unity is being tested by economic and security challenges.

The event also featured recitations of the National Anthem and Pledge, symbolic hoisting of the Nigerian flag, and interactive sessions with students and community leaders.

With a final charge, Mr. Mkpoutom reiterated that the Agency remains committed to building a disciplined and patriotic citizenry. “If every Nigerian respects our symbols and shuns negative practices, we will have taken a bold step toward a stronger, united Nigeria,” he concluded.

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