By Our Reporter
WORLD
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, 29th May, 2024 signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem which was dropped by a military government in 1978.
The newly re-adopted anthem, which begins “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.
Speaking on his first anniversary in office, President Tinubu said the anthem symbolised Nigeria’s diversity.
Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is the national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978, and then from 2024. Nigeria’s former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was adopted in 1978, replacing “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”[1] On 29 May 2024, Bola Tinubu signed a bill reinstating “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”[2]
History
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960.[3] The anthem’s lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence.[3] Frances Berda composed the music for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.
The second national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” replaced “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in 1978.[3] The lyrics were created by five Nigerians: P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan and B.A. Ogunnaike.
On May 23, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill to revert from the current anthem to Nigeria, We Hail Thee. This bill was signed into law on May 29, 2024.
HERE IS THE RE-ADOPTED NATIONAL ANTHEM
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation
Grant this our one request.
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed (balindi)
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria shall be blessed.
