Singing the Anthem of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)
When professional associations adopt an anthem, it becomes more than just a melody to the members. As a member of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), singing our anthem, gives me a strong sense of purpose to a greater call – ‘A Call to serve humanity.’
The NLA anthem was composed by Dr. Chinemerem Clement Ukangwa and it reflects so much of the kind of Librarian Nigeria truly needs, it emphasizes quality service and literacy for all and can actually serve as a guide and inspiration for us. The more we sing it together, knowing the lyrics and tone, the stronger I believe our professional unity becomes. Hence, there is need for Library and Information professionals, as well as LIS students to memorize and internalize this anthem, because the lyrics of the anthem is not just motivating, but reminds us of the core values and responsibilities of the profession, including need for us to promote literacy.
NLA ANTHEM LYRICS:
Nigerian Library Association
We are called to serve humanity
In humility, sharing knowledge
With Cheerfulness and Kind heart
Quality Information Services
to our patrons is our mandate
In research, we are there
In development, we are there
In innovation, we are there
We’ll live true to our call
LITERACY FOR ALL!!!
HOW TO SING THE NLA ANTHEM
Dr. C.C. Ukangwa is a librarian at Laz Otti Memorial Library, Babcock University. He donated the anthem, which was officially launched on Tuesday, 5th, July, 2022 during the opening ceremony of the 60th Annual Conference and AGM of the Nigerian Library Association. In recognition of his exemplary commitment to the association, a Presidential Merit Award was presented to him by the NLA President and Chairman of Council – Lbrn Pst. Dominic A. Omokaro on the 10th July, 2024 in Rivers State during the 62nd Annual Conference and AGM. Recently (on October 1st, 2024) he did a cover for the new Nigerian National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and this truly demonstrates his commitment not just to the NLA, but to musical excellence and national service.
Every time we sing “Literacy for All,” let it not just be a conclusion of the anthem, let it be us reaffirming our commitment to a more informed and enlightened Nigeria.
We can practice the anthem by incorporating it not only to professional gatherings, but our personal daily routines, library school, and connecting each line to the work we do as librarians.
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Sylvester I. Ebhonu
Commendable. Every Librarians should try and learn and sing it by heart.
Thank you sir. You advice informed this!
Let’s get everyone singing with ease