The reintroduction of the old national anthem has generated significant reactions since President Bola Tinubu signed the bill into law. On Tuesday, the Senate passed the bill during a public hearing, and on Wednesday, President Tinubu enacted it. Nigeria Returns to Old National Anthem
Many Nigerians have expressed their displeasure, describing the move as a “misplaced priority.”
The old national anthem, used from 1960 to 1978, is titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while the version adopted in 1978 is known as “Arise, O Compatriots.” The lyrics of the old anthem were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, and composed by another Briton, Frances Berda. In contrast, the anthem adopted in 1978 was composed by Nigerian Benedict Odiase.
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Nigerians Reactions
Reacting to the new law, Nigerians from various walks of life took to popular microblogging sites X and Facebook to express their dissatisfaction with the change.
X user Fola Afolayan, tweeting as @TheFavoredWoman, wrote, “Changing the Nigerian national anthem written by a Nigerian to a song written by colonisers is a foolish decision, and it’s shameful that nobody in the National Assembly thought to stand against it.”
@Waspapping wrote, “I hope this new national anthem helps lower food prices, reduce tuition fees, provide at least five hours of stable electricity, address insecurity, and alleviate poverty in the country.”
In her reaction, @firstladyship wrote, “Dumping your indigenous National Anthem for a colonial hymn during austerity times is all the proof you need. Old men feeling nostalgic decided to force a colonial song down our throats. There’s little hint of austerity in those in charge of Nigeria. But how did we even get here? This is by far the worst Executive + National Assembly since 1960. And I’ve put it mildly.”
On Facebook, Ibitola Olaniyi wrote, “All over the world, people and countries are moving forward, but APC and Tinubu’s government are moving backward. It’s a shame. All of them should go back to secondary school if that’s what they want. When you put old cargoes on board, what do you expect?”
Mathew Dubem opined, “This is preposterous. I wish they handled all bills and national issues the way they did this national anthem. Nigeria would be better by now. The big question is, what’s the benefit of reverting to this old national anthem?”
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Old National Anthem Vs Current National Anthem
This is the old national anthem written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, and composed by another Briton, Frances Berda. Enjoy
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.
This is the current national anthem written by Benedict Odiase, adopted in 1978. Enjoy
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leader’s 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.
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Nigeria Returns to Old National Anthem
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