A significant shift has occurred in Nigeria’s national identity with the reintroduction of its first national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” Signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this move replaces “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has served the nation since 1978. The change marks a return to the country’s roots, sparking conversations about history, identity, and the future.
This article explores the reintroduction of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” We will examine its historical significance, compare it to “Arise, O Compatriots,” and discuss the public’s reaction. Understanding this change offers a deeper insight into Nigeria’s journey and its aspirations for unity and progress.
The Lyrics: ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’
To help you sing along with pride, here are the full official lyrics:
First Stanza
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.
Second Stanza
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.
Third Stanza
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 Story Behind “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was the country’s first national anthem, adopted at independence in 1960. The lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria. The music was composed by Frances Berda, another British national.
The anthem was a symbol of a new nation stepping onto the world stage, filled with hope and a desire for unity among its diverse peoples.
The verses speak of pride and appreciation for the differing backgrounds of people in the country.
It fosters a feeling of oneness and passes on the legacy of being together as a country. It was one of the first songs in the country.
It was played at national functions and in schools and on the radio for 18 years, imprinting the song in the minds of the first generation of free Nigerians.
Every national anthem has its critics. Some people thought it was wrong for foreigners to write the songs and words. While the country was transitioning to a post-colonial period of civil war, the need for a national anthem became even more pressing.
The Transition from “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” to “Arise, O Compatriots”
In 1978, General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime decided it was time to discard “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” A national competition was conducted with the aim of creating a new national anthem.
The new anthem was to be in English as it was considered to be the most common language in the country. The selection process took time as the panel of judges was made to pick from the top five entries the best lines to form the new anthem.
The result was “Arise, O Compatriots.” The lyrics were a composite of contributions from John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe. The Nigerian Police Band, under the direction of Benedict E. Odiase, composed the music. This new anthem was a call to action, urging citizens to serve their fatherland with love, strength, and faith. It focused on the ideals of building a sovereign nation where peace and justice reign. For over four decades, “Arise, O Compatriots” was the anthem every Nigerian learned and sang with pride.
Comparing the New Nigerian National Anthem with the Old Anthem
The two anthems reflect different eras of Nigeria’s history and carry distinct messages.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (1960-1978, 2024-Present)
This anthem is a plea for unity and a prayer for the nation.
- Tone: It has a more solemn and reverent tone. The language is reflective, asking for guidance to build a nation where no one is oppressed.
- Core Message: The central theme is the management of diversity. The line “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” is a powerful acknowledgment of Nigeria’s multicultural reality. It emphasizes peace and collective responsibility.
- Focus: It looks inward, focusing on the character and values needed to sustain the nation.
“Arise, O Compatriots” (1978-2024)
This anthem is a patriotic command.
- Tone: The tone is energetic and motivational. It is a direct call for citizens to take action.
- Core Message: The primary theme is service and sacrifice. The opening line, “Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey,” sets a clear expectation for citizens to contribute to national development.
- Focus: It looks outward and forward, centered on the labor of heroes past and the goal of building a just and sovereign nation.
The reintroduction of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is seen by supporters as a way to reconnect with a foundational message of unity that they feel is more relevant than ever.
The Adoption Process and Public Reaction
The decision to go back to the original National Anthem (National Anthem Bill) was completed in record time by the National Assembly.
It was introduced to and passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate and was signed by the President all in a single week.
This level of swiftness has garnered all sorts of conversations across the country.
The general public reaction
SUPPORTING THE CHANGE: Proponents argue that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is a more profound and inclusive anthem. They believe its message of brotherhood is crucial for healing divisions in the country.
Opposing THE CHANGE: Critics question the priority of changing the national anthem amidst pressing economic and security challenges. Many feel the government’s focus should be on issues like inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. The cost of implementing the change, such as updating official materials and educating the public, has also been a concern. Furthermore, some still object to its colonial-era origins, arguing that a truly independent nation should have an anthem created by its own citizens.
Social media is a platform for Nigerians learning the ‘old-new’ anthem to engage in satire, debate, and share videos. Change, needless to say, is always difficult.
During transitions, the younger generations will always feel the most disconnected, and for Nigerians, this will finally be the case for “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Impact on Culture and the Future
The return of the New Nigerian National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is more than just a legislative act; it is a cultural event. It forces a national conversation about what Nigeria stands for. Schools are now tasked with teaching a new generation of students an anthem that their grandparents once sang. National events will now feature music and words that have been dormant for 46 years.
It will stimulate conversation and debate throughout Nigeria on its cultural values. The country’s educational system will have to retrain an old anthem to a new generation of children.
Also see:
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Free PDF Download)
FGN All Board Appointments: Updated Guide for 2025 PDF Download