The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Wednesday lauded delegates to the national conference for adopting the second stanza of the National Anthem as prayer.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Director-General, Mr Paul Odenyi, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Odenyi said NOA had always advocated for the adoption of the second stanza as national prayer, adding that it had the potential of uniting the country
“NOA is excited about this development, we have always wished for this, and it is a laudable move by the delegates and the agency is happy with the development,’’ he said.
NAN recalls that the NOA had in April 13, 2012 advocated for the adoption of the second stanza of the national anthem to replace the regular prayers made by the Muslim and Christian religions at public functions.
The agency said it was imperative for Nigerians to start adopting the second stanza of the national anthem as prayer as against the usual one offered in public places to avoid unnecessary bickering among the faithful.
Odenyi said adopting the anthem as prayer would lead Nigerians to the path of peace, unity and progress.
He said that if the National Assembly could have a single prayer, nothing should stop the country from emulating the legislators.
NAN reports that delegates to the National Conference on March 18 adopted the second stanza of the National Anthem as official prayer at their inauguration by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Some Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government had adopted the second stanza of the national anthem as prayers, while some civil societies, non-governmental organisations often employ it at events
