“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” Returns as National Anthem Under New Law.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has enacted the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law. This bill successfully passed its first and second readings in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Under this new legislation, the current national anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” will be replaced by the original anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was adopted when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. The lyrics of the original anthem were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate in Nigeria, and the music was composed by Frances Berda.
READ: Tinubu Appoints New Heads for Environmental and River Basin Agencies
In a joint session of the National Assembly today, marking both the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic and the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, representatives and senators sang “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” following the bill’s enactment.
The National Anthem of Nigeria, "Nigeria We Hail Thee," was sung for the first time today during a joint session of the National Assembly after it was enacted into law by President Tinubu. pic.twitter.com/eD5o21ygIy
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) May 29, 2024
President Tinubu, who later joined the joint session, confirmed “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the new national anthem. The previous anthem, adopted in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration, combined lyrics from a national contest set to music by the Nigerian police band. The lyrics were created by P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Sota Omoigui, Eme Tim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike.
During the bill’s debate, lawmakers argued that the original anthem evoked a stronger emotional connection with the Nigerian people. They noted that the current anthem, a product of a military junta, does not reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
READ: Work-from-home tips: here’s how to earn $300 monthly on Picoworkers in these simple steps
Julius Ihonvbere, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the need for patriotism and nationalism, stating, “I believe that the old anthem embodies the energy, resourcefulness, and vision necessary for Nigeria. It begins by invoking pride in serving our nation, which is crucial at a time when many are emigrating. Furthermore, it asserts the sovereignty of our motherland.”
Nigerians have been expressing their opinions on the reinstated anthem. See some reactions on X (formerly Twitter) below:
Here is the the Anthem:
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.
Professional freelancer and webmaster.
+ There are no comments
Add yours