Arise, O Compatriots,” which used to be in use, will now be replaced by “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, assented to the National Anthem Bill 2024 which reverts to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.”
“Arise, O Compatriots,” which used to be in use, will now be replaced by “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This was disclosed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday to mark the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic, as well as the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration..
He said, “This morning, Mr President signed into an Act of Parliament, the newly passed National Anthem 2024.”
His announcement was confirmed by President Tinubu, who later joined the joint session.
Akpabio said the sitting was primarily to launch the new national anthem, explaining that the President would not be making a speech because he has to leave to launch the Abuja metro line.
The Senate yesterday passed the National Anthem Bill through 3rd reading, and it is unclear whether a harmonisation committee of the Senate and House of Representatives sat to work out the differences in the versions passed by both chambers. .
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, we hail thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
Lyrics to Nigeria We Hail Thee
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.