On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a bill for a second reading that proposes returning to the previous national anthem.
In leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, its sponsor, Julius Ihonvbere, highlighted the importance of patriotism and nationalism as the basis for his proposal.
The “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” anthem was used from 1960 when Nigeria gained independence, until it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
Lilian Jean Williams wrote the lyrics for Nigeria’s previous national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” in 1959, while Frances Berda composed the music for the anthem during the same year
Step 1: Understand the lyrics
The anthem’s lyrics, written by Lilian Jean Williams in 1959, evoke a sense of national pride and unity. It begins with the lines:
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.
Step 2: Learn the melody
You can listen to recordings of the anthem to familiarise yourself with the melody or use sheet music to follow along.
Step 3: Sing along
Start by singing the anthem slowly, focusing on getting the pronunciation and melody right.
Step 4: Reflect on the meaning
For example, the anthem’s final stanza reflects on the nation’s aspirations for peace, prosperity, and equality:
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.
Below is the full anthem:
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.
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