In a legislative shift, the National Anthem Bill 2024 was signed and approved by President Bola Tinubu, reinstating the former anthem.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed this on Wednesday, May 29 at a joint session of the National Assembly marking the Silver Jubilee Of Nigeria’s 4th Republic.
The new national anthem was introduced during the session, according to Senate President Akpabio during President Tinubu’s absence due to the inauguration of the Abuja metro line.
The law had already been approved in separate sessions by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In 1978, the present national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” took the place of the previous one, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, which served from 1960 until 1978.
The song “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was composed by Frances Berda and penned by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams.
The hymn was criticised over time for its non-Nigerian composer, despite its early significance in forming national identity.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the recent legislative reform, which was led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele of Ekiti Central.
In contrast to its replacement, “Arise, O Compatriots,” supporters of the measure contended that the original song promotes a greater symbol of unity, peace, and prosperity.
The lawmakers highlighted that the national principles, ethics, and conventions embodied in the independence anthem were not reflected in the present anthem, which was a creation of the military administration.
Check out the lyrics of the old National 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.
