In a recent legislative change, President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Anthem Bill 2024, restoring Nigeria’s initial anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This update was disclosed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at a joint session of the National Assembly.
The revival of the original anthem, used as Nigeria’s national song from 1960 to 1978, signifies a tribute to the country’s early post-independence period.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, and composed by Frances Berda.
Despite being instrumental in shaping national identity, the anthem has faced criticism over the years due to its composer not being Nigerian.
The recent legislative change, led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), received strong support from fellow lawmakers.
Advocates for the bill argued that the original anthem better symbolizes unity, peace, and prosperity than its replacement, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Lawmakers stressed that the current anthem, a product of the military regime, lacks the depth of national values, ethics, and traditions found in the independence anthem.
The old anthem starts with the words: “Nigeria, we hail thee, our dear native land…” What are the lyrics to the remainder of the old national anthem?
Here is the anthem below:
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and 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,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
