Those that grew up in Nigeria will always remember hearing their national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey…” in the mornings. The anthem motivated people to work together for the same purpose, hearing the chorus served as a reminder of the anthem’s call to encouragement, but what about the old Nigerian anthem (Second Stanza) “O God of creation“? sounds familiar?
However, the old anthem did contain another verse that although may not have been as memorable, was equally as powerful as the call to encouragement.
The second verse was a prayer, a plea for Nigeria’s future and for the young to be inculcated with the values of truth and honesty because the future’s we were building were for the young.
It was recently made public that the original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was reinstated, making “Arise, O Compatriots” the “old anthem” which in turn will allow the second verse of the anthem to be relooked at.
This blog therefore is to remind and retell the story that Old Nigerian Anthem (Second Stanza) brought life to.
The Full Lyrics of the Second Stanza of the Old Nigerian Anthem
While the first stanza was directed at the citizens, the second stanza was a collective prayer to God. The lyrics were:
O God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.
A Line-by-Line Meaning and Breakdown
This stanza is more than just poetry; it’s a blueprint for national ideals. Let’s break down its powerful message:
- “O God of creation, direct our noble cause”: The stanza begins by acknowledging God as the supreme creator and asking for divine guidance in the nation’s journey—its “noble cause” of building a great country.
- “Guide our leaders right”: This is a direct and timeless plea for wise, just, and righteous leadership. It reflects a deep desire for governance that serves the people’s interests.
- “Help our youth the truth to know / In love and honesty to grow”: Here, the focus shifts to the future—the youth. It’s a prayer for the moral and ethical grounding of the next generation, emphasizing that national growth is rooted in “love and honesty.”
- “And living just and true / Great lofty heights attain”: This line connects personal integrity to national success. It suggests that only by being a populace that values justice and truth can Nigeria achieve its full potential (“great lofty heights”).
- “To build a nation where peace / And justice shall reign”: The stanza concludes with its ultimate goal: the establishment of a Nigeria defined by two pillars: Peace and Justice. This was the envisioned end result of divine guidance, good leadership, and an upright citizenry.
Why the Second Stanza Still Matters Today
Though “Arise, O Compatriots” is no longer the current anthem, the second verse of the old anthem still very much is relevant.
The message that the second verse of the old anthem embodies is for together as a people of Nigeria, a prayer must be made for Ethical Leadership to “guide our leaders right” which must become a priority.
It encapsulates the collective aspirations of a people for:
- Ethical Leadership: The call to “guide our leaders right” is as urgent now as it was then.
- Youth Development: The focus on guiding the youth “to know the truth” and grow in honesty speaks directly to ongoing conversations about national values and education.
- A Just Society: The final vision of a nation where “justice shall reign” is a universal and enduring goal for any society.
The second stanza served as the nation’s collective prayer—a solemn counterpoint to the vigorous call of the first. It was a reminder that building a nation requires not just the action of its people, but also moral direction, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to peace and justice.
While the anthems may change, the core values and hopes expressed in this forgotten verse continue to reflect the deepest yearnings of the Nigerian people for their nation.
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