The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has adopted the second stanza of the National Anthem as the official prayer at all public functions.

Mike Omeri, the Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA) made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Paul Odenyi, his Chief Press Secretary.

He said that the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia gave the hint when he visited the agency, stating that FEC now recites the second stanza of the national anthem as national prayer.

The minister said that FEC was committed toward ensuring that all public functions followed suit.

The NOA had been advocating for the adoption of the second stanza as national prayer at public functions.

This NOA said would to engender the spirit of cohesion and unity in supplication to God in the country.

According to NOA DG, the practise of saying separate prayers by different religious faithful at public functions divides the group along religious lines.

Governors of Ogun and Niger states, Ibikunle Amosun and Aliyu Babangida had similarly adopted the second stanza as official prayers at all public functions and school in their states.

Mailafia, however, commended the agency for championing the campaign and urged the NOA not to relent in its effort at promoting patriotism, love and respect for national symbols.

The Second Stanza

Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

http://www.businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/news/284-breaking-news/42235-fec-adopts-second-stanza-of-national-anthem-as-official-prayer

Does the stanza applies to atheist?

I don't even think that these people think about the meaning of what they recite. If, they do, then surely they should be thinking of eliminating corruption in FEC immediately!

Welcome development. We should start praying for Naija, who knows, we may experience Devine intervention. The prayer may also touch the heart of our leaders and return them to the part of righteousness and hardwork.

Ok....towards positive change for the better cos that stanza has more juice.