JUST IN: Senate Passes Bill to Revert to Old National Anthem, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’

The Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, aiming to reinstate the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The bill, which quickly moved through its first and second readings on Thursday, now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s signature to become law.

The proposed legislation will replace the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” with the original anthem that was adopted when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. The old anthem, written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, was a staple of Nigeria’s national identity until it was replaced in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the historical significance of the old anthem: “Upon rendition, it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians. Those who lived through that era recognise its crucial role in our nation’s history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of our early years.”

The lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” emphasize unity and patriotism, reflecting the country’s aspirations at the time of independence:

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 revival of this anthem is seen as a step towards rekindling national pride and unity among Nigerians.