Akpabio warns NOA to stop circulating incorrect national anthem

• The National Orientation Agency had previously assured Nigerians that a standardized version of the anthem would be issued
  

  ---

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has criticized the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for teaching Nigerians an incorrect version of the newly adopted old National Anthem.

Akpabio noted that the version circulated by the agency differs from the New National Anthem approved by the Senate. He made this observation after the Senate recited the first stanza of the new anthem, during which he intermittently checked his book.

The National Orientation Agency had previously assured Nigerians that a standardized version of the anthem would be issued after consultation with stakeholders.

Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave this assurance following the appearance of several versions of the anthem on social media. Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOS) also reported public confusion regarding the correct lyrics, instrumental, and audio rendition of the anthem.

After deliberations, the Senate entered an executive session lasting over two hours, and subsequently adjourned plenary to July 2. Before adjourning, Akpabio urged lawmakers to note the wordings of the Senate-approved anthem and disregard the version presented by the NOA.