In this article, Platinum Times Nigeria will work you through the lyrics of Nigeria’s old national anthem,’Nigeria, we hail thee’.
On May 23rd, 2024, a bill was passed by the House of Representatives to readopt Nigeria’s old anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee’ as against the current anthem, ‘Arise O Compatriots’.
This bill was signed into law on Wednesday May 29th, 2024, exactly one year after President Bola Tinubu’s instalment as Nigeria’s President.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was the national anthem used after Nigeria’s independence in 1960 until 1978 when the new national anthem, ‘Arise O Compatriots’ was introduced.
The lyrics of Nigeria’s old anthem was written by a British expatriate that lived in Nigeria as at the time of her independence in 1960 named, Lillian Jean Williams, and the music was composed by Frances Berda.
However, this old anthem was dropped because of the criticisms it faced as at the time, one of which was that it was composed by a foreigner.
May 29th, 2024 made another history in Nigeria as this old anthem was reinstated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Here are the lyrics of Nigeria’s old national anthem;
- Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are 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.