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BRIEF HISTORY.
“Nigeria, we hail thee” was Nigeria’s first National anthem. It was adopted on 1 October 1960 when Nigeria gained independence. The lyrics of the anthem were written in 1959 by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who stayed in Nigeria during that time, while the music was provided by Frances Berda. A new anthem – “Arise O compatriots” – was later introduced in 1978.
OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM LYRICS.
Nigeria, we hail thee
1st Stanza.
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
2nd Stanza.
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle honour
And this we count as gain
To pass unto our children
A banner without stain
O God of all creation
3rd Stanza.
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
“NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE” MP3 DOWNLOAD.
You can download/listen to the full audio of the old National Anthem here. Tap the “three dots” to download.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF NIGERIA IN 3-MINS.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OLD AND NEW NIGERIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM.
| “NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE.” | “ARISE O COMPATRIOTS” |
| ▪ 3 Stanzas | ▪ 2 Stanzas |
| ▪ The lyrics were composed by Lillian Jean Williams. | The lyrics were composed by Ben Odiase. |
| ▪ The lyrics was composed by Lillian Jean Williams. | The lyrics was composed by Ben Odiase. |
It was changed to promote indigeneity of ownership and also inspire Nigerians, the Anthem was replaced in 1978 under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, with ‘Arise O Compatriots.’ Tai Solarin and Dennis Osadebay were part of Nigerian scholars who called for a new National Anthem. They believed that our anthem should be composed by someone who does not have only sympathy, but also empathy for the nationals to summon dedication and arouse emotion.
1978.
Abdulbasit Toriola is a versatile freelance writer. On this blog, he keenly writes about Nigeria and Nigerians breaking the odds. You can connect with him via any of the links below.
