The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has proposed to the National Assembly an amendment to the Ordinance Act in order to allow stiffer penalties, including jail terms for abusers of Nigeria's national symbols.

The Director General of NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, made this known yesterday in Abuja, at the second National Symbols Day in Abuja.

He said the proposal was aimed at reducing the level of abuses on the Nigerian national symbols.

He said national symbols were unique features of different countries across the globe.

Omeri observed that abuses of national symbols by citizens was an act of irresponsibility and negligence on the national integrity.

He revealed that the bill for amendment of the Act had passed first reading, in the House of Representatives, adding that as soon as the National Assembly returns from recess, the bill would proceed to the second reading.

"NOA is seeking the amendment of the Ordinance Act to make wrong display of the national symbols, defacing of same and other treatments of our National Symbols attract greater sanctions," Omeri said.

Omeri also said that the agency had written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) requesting that September 16 every year be declared 'National Symbols Day.'

He said many nations across the globe have dedicated one day every year for national symbols as a way of bringing attention to bear on the things that unite them.
"We believe that the positive values embodied by our national symbols can naturally evoke certain attitudes and emotions towards our nation."

"We believe our national core values as enumerated in Section 2, sub-section 23 of the 1999 Constitution are expressed in our national symbols and should further find practical expression in the manifestation of those values by Nigerians through the inspiration they draw from our national symbols," he added.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Sani Bala, said the two-day conference was geared towards reviewing the progress and building consensus on actions that will harness the nation’s contributions to human resources challenges in the country.

Mustay: Remember this topic, Group Solicits 10 Years Jail Term For Abusing The National Flag

This headline makes me remember this and I think they should start from here (no partisanship ) :

ODENIG: If it is abuse Obama has the highest abuse and insult that shows that haters in Nigeria is few and GEj lovers are more .GEJ hater should hug transformer.

tosingcfr: What are the national symbols