President Bola Tinubu has made a historical move by signing the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, leading to the reinstatement of Nigeria’s initial anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the President’s assent yesterday, during a celebratory joint session of the National Assembly, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. Shortly after his address, President Tinubu proceeded to inaugurate the Abuja Metro Line.
This notable legislative change comes after both the Senate and the House of Representatives had earlier agreed to transition from “Arise, O Compatriots” back to the original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, composed at the time of Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
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The cherished lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” reflect the nation’s unity and heritage:
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.
It’s heartwarming to see a renewed embrace of Nigeria’s rich heritage and values reflected in the old national anthem. May this step be one of many towards unity and prosperity for the nation.
