The National Orientation Agency (NOA) said the agency will issue the standardised version of the new national anthem after due consultation with stakeholders.
The move, according to the agency, is targeted at addressing the proliferation of varying versions of the anthem circulating on social media, which it noted to have caused confusion among the public.
Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, noted this as the highlight of the feedback received from the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOS) who reported widespread uncertainty regarding the correct lyrics, instrumental, and audio renditions of the anthem.
He stated, “Our COMOS, whom we ordered to learn the new national anthem, have reported that many citizens are eager to learn and promote the anthem but are confused by the multiple versions available online.
“They have also inquired about which of the stanzas, if any, will be designated as the national prayer.”
Issa-Onilu also assured that a decision on whether any of the stanzas will be adopted as national prayer will be taken after necessary approval procedure.
He further advised government agencies who seek to play the anthem at their functions to revert to the NOA for the official copy of the new national anthem.