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ABUJA, NIGERIA – President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, officially reinstating the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. This announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly, marking the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
The event, which also commemorated the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, saw the President confirming ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ as the new official national anthem.
Legislative Background
The Senate and the House of Representatives had earlier passed the legislation to revert the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in separate sittings. This legislative move was aimed at reconnecting with the country’s historical roots and restoring a sense of national pride tied to Nigeria’s early post-independence era.
Official Confirmation
Senate President Akpabio clarified that the joint session was primarily convened to launch the new national anthem. He explained that President Tinubu would not be delivering a speech at the session as he needed to proceed to another significant event – the launch of the Abuja metro line.
Historical Significance of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was the country’s original anthem following its independence on October 1, 1960. The lyrics were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate in Nigeria during the time of independence, and the music was composed by Frances Berda. This anthem played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and national identity during the early years of Nigeria’s independence.
Lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
Here are the lyrics of the reinstated 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.
Transition to the New Anthem
Following the signing of the bill by President Tinubu, the joint sitting of the National Assembly formally adopted “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” marking a return to the anthem that was in place before “Arise, O Compatriots” was adopted in 1978. This move is seen as an effort to revive the original spirit of Nigeria’s national unity and pride as envisioned at the time of independence.
Conclusion
The restoration of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the national anthem represents a significant cultural and historical shift, reaffirming the country’s commitment to its foundational values and national unity. As Nigeria moves forward, this anthem will once again become a symbol of its aspirations and collective identity.
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