The Senate has approved the old national anthem, “Nigeria we hail thee,” to replace the current national anthem, “Arise O Compatriots.” The bill passed its third reading on Tuesday and now awaits concurrence and President Bola Tinubu’s assent before becoming law.
Lyrics to “Nigeria We Hail Thee”: “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 bill was proposed by Senator Victor Umeh from Anambra Central, supported by other lawmakers who highlighted the motivational and unifying aspects of the old anthem compared to the current one. The Senate committee did not agree with the Attorney General’s call for wider consultation before changing the anthem, emphasizing the importance of the proposed bill.
The return to the old anthem signifies a shift back to Nigeria’s post-independence identity and unity that was embodied in “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” The decision reflects a desire to evoke patriotism, unity, peace, and prosperity through a symbol that resonates with Nigerians across different generations.
