President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, officially reinstating the old national anthem, "Nigeria, we hail thee."
The move comes as part of the celebrations marking the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria's 4th Republic and the first anniversary of Tinubu's administration.
In a joint session of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the President had signed the newly passed National Anthem 2024 Act earlier that morning. Tinubu, who later joined the session, confirmed "Nigeria, we hail thee" as the country's latest national anthem.
Akpabio explained that the primary purpose of the sitting was to launch the new national anthem and that the President would not be delivering a speech due to his schedule, which included the launch of the Abuja metro line.
The Senate and the House of Representatives had previously passed the legislation to swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” at separate sittings.
Following the signing of the bill by the President to reintroduce the old national anthem, the joint sitting jettisoned what has been in existence since 1978, to adopt the former (and newly signed) national anthem ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, has replaced the “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem.
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.
The reinstatement of the old national anthem is seen as a symbolic gesture to commemorate Nigeria's democratic milestones and the administration's first year in office.
The move has sparked discussions among citizens about the significance of national symbols and their role in fostering unity and pride.
Below are the 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.
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