By Adamu Imam, Bauchi
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Bauchi State has called on Nigerians to restore respect for national symbols as a critical step toward strengthening national identity, security, and development.
Acting State Director of NOA in Bauchi, Adamu Umar Sarkinyara, made the call on Tuesday during the 2026 National Ordinance Day celebration held in Bauchi, with the theme: “Restoration of Respect for National Symbols”
The event was organized under the NOA’s Nigerian Identity Project, with the sub-theme: *“A Critical Component for National Identity, Security and Development.”*
Sarkinyara said the Nigerian Identity Project is a flagship initiative of the agency aimed at rekindling patriotism, unity and pride in being Nigerian.
“At the heart of this project is respect. A nation without respect for its symbols is a nation without identity, and a nation without identity cannot be secure or develop,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s strength as a nation is reflected in seven core national symbols: the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, National Pledge, National ID Card, Nigerian Passport, and the Naira.
He noted that the National Flag represents unity in diversity, the Coat of Arms signifies authority and sovereignty, the National Anthem embodies collective voice and aspiration, while the National Pledge represents commitment to service.
Others, he said, are the National ID Card as proof of citizenship, the Passport as a symbol of pride before the world, and the Naira as a symbol of economic independence.
The NOA boss linked respect for national symbols directly to identity, security and development.
“On identity, respect for our symbols teaches us who we are. Without this, tribalism and apathy thrive. With it, we build One Nigeria,” he stated.
On security, he warned that disrespect for symbols breeds disrespect for the law, adding that those who abuse the Naira are likely to vandalize public property.
“When citizens live the Pledge ‘to serve Nigeria with all my strength’ they become stakeholders in peace, not saboteurs,” he said.
He added that no nation develops without discipline, stressing that civic discipline grows when citizens stand for the Anthem and recite the Pledge, while respect for the Naira protects the currency and respect for the Passport determines how the world treats Nigerians.
Sarkinyara outlined a five-point strategy by NOA Bauchi to restore respect for national symbols.
According to him, the strategy includes mass mobilization through town hall meetings, school campaigns and road walks across the 20 local government areas of the state; institutionalization of civic values in schools, NYSC and religious bodies; enforcement of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act and the CBN Act on Naira abuse in collaboration with security agencies; media campaigns in English, Hausa and Pidgin; and partnership with key stakeholders including NIMC, NIS, CBN, traditional and religious leaders.
He appreciated partner agencies NIMC, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Central Bank of Nigeria for supporting the campaign.
The NOA Director urged residents of the state to adopt the slogan: “My Symbol, My Pride.”
“I will fly the Flag right. I will sing the Anthem with meaning. I will handle the Naira with respect. I will value my ID Card and Passport,” he charged.
