According to the Sun, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi State, emphasized prioritizing actions over words to cultivate a strong national identity and patriotic spirit.
She reflected on the role of the national anthem in inspiring unity and pride among citizens, commending all involved in its crafting as a collective effort rather than a unilateral decision.
Senator Natasha recommended not only reading and contemplating the anthem's lyrics but also translating those sentiments into tangible actions within communities.
She emphasized that true nation-building depends on the deeds of individuals and groups. She urged individuals disheartened by potential changes in the anthem to focus on its underlying spirit and message of unity, patriotism, and collective endeavor.
In Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's words, she explained saying, "lf you listen to the words of the national anthem, I think they actually resonate more with the spirit of building patriotism. And that does not mean that the Old National Anthem which tried to honour our heroes past and works of our youth into national building, that doesn’t mean that it’s not in any way good, but I would just say that it wasn’t a unilateral decision. And to those who are aggrieved, I would just say, read the words, the lyrics. The words alone cannot build a nationhood, but our actions will."