In a landmark decision, President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, officially reinstating the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. This significant legislative action was announced during a joint session of the National Assembly, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic and the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio shared the news, stating, “This morning, Mr. President signed into an Act of Parliament, the newly passed National Anthem 2024.” The occasion was primarily dedicated to the launch of the new national anthem, marking a pivotal change in Nigeria’s national identity.
President Tinubu, present at the session, confirmed the reversion to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the nation’s anthem, signaling a return to the anthem first adopted at Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The Senate and House of Representatives had previously approved the bill to replace “Arise, O Compatriots” with the older anthem during separate sessions.
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.
The anthem, penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate in Nigeria during its independence, and composed by Frances Berda, played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity during the 1960s and late 1970s. With this reinstatement, Nigeria aims to rekindle the spirit of unity and pride encapsulated in the original anthem.
Stay tuned to Naijahotvibez blog for more updates on this historic change and other news.
