The Nigerian president, Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Image via State House Media Release
The Nigerian President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu has directed the mandatory recitation of the Nigerian national anthem and the declaration of the national pledge at all official ceremonies or engagements.
This was said, according to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President, Media and publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, to be upheld in honour of the country’s national dignity and acknowledgement of the Nigeria’s past heroes.
The statement read, “ president Tinubu directs mandatory recitation of the national pledge after the anthem at official engagements.”
It noted that the object of this requirement was to enforce “absolute respect for the national symbol” and retain the Nigeria’s dignified “character”.
The issued statement revealed that this was, “to ensure absolute respect for the national symbols, strengthen allegiance and fidelity to country, and to preserve Nigeria’s ethos and defining character, President Bola Tinubu has directed the mandatory recitation of the National Pledge after the National Anthem at every official and public engagement.”
Ajuri said, “Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City at Karsana, Abuja, on Thursday, the President emphasized the imperativeness of respecting national values, promoting the nation’s ideals, and abiding by its established norms.”
“Before I left home this morning, I asked for a printout of the National Pledge, and we have to relaunch it again at this event. The relaunch is about being committed to the values, greatness, and hope of our country. It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday. We were all rejoicing. Everyone one of us loves victory. We love to win. When you are positive and you are hopeful, Nigeria is winning.
“We did not say it will be Eldorado and smooth all the way. But we are confident that this country will excel in all ramifications. We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country,” President Tinubu said.
