The nation last year instituted September 16 as “The National Symbols Day”. It will be recalled that the president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had charged National Orientation Agency to create and implement programmes and activities that encourage Nigerians to treat our national symbols with greater levels of respect and regard.
NOA organized the second edition of the event to hold at “This Day Dome”. In his address at the occasion, the director general of NOA Mr.Mmike Omeri Fnipr explained national symbols as anything adopted by a nation to unite people by creating visual, verbal or iconic representation of their heritage values and goals”. He listed the following as Nigeria’s national Symbols: The National Flag, The Coat of Arms, The National Anthem, The Naira, The National Identity Card, and The Nigerian International Passport. He further quoted Maj. Gen. Gowon’s position at the maiden edition thus, “Our National Symbols, as exemplified by the National flag, the currency, National Anthem and national Pledge, provide Justification for identity, freedom, power and sovereignty”.
He revealed that, “NOA is seeking the amendment of the ordinance act to make wrong display of national symbols, defacing the same and other wrong treatments of our National symbols attract greater sanctions”.
The chief of Defense staff was represented at the occasion by Major Gen. MB Ibrahim. He enjoined Nigerians to identify and respect the national symbols and above all to imbibe the ethical values of our great country – Nigeria.
Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who was the guest speaker of occasion was represented by his son, Goodheart Ekwueme, recommended that the NOA should flag off a school campaign to be dubbed “A flag per child” school programme. He recommended that each child will be given and allowed to flag a miniature flag.
Dignitaries at the event include Mr. Zak Adze, HRH. Oba Adedoyin, Alh. Othman Bilyaminu Othman, the Emir of Dass, Mrs Felicia Sanni, the leader of market women amongst others.