Tuesday, May 28, 2024 -The Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
The bill which speedily passed first and
second readings now awaits assent into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The Senate passed legislation to swap the
national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The old
anthem, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, will
replace the current anthem.
The bill seeks to revive the anthem that
was dropped in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration.
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.
During deliberations on the bill, Senate
Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasized the anthem’s impact. According to him
“Upon rendition, it inspired deep
patriotism among Nigerians. Those who lived through that era recognize its
crucial role in our nation’s history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of
our early years.
Last week, the bill seeking to make a
provision for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail
Thee” scaled through a second reading at the Senate before it was eventually
passed on Tuesday. The House of Representatives has passed the bill.
Below are the lyrics of the old 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.''
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