The Senate has successfully passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which aims to reinstate the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The bill quickly progressed through its first and second readings on Thursday and now awaits presidential assent from President Bola Tinubu to become law.
This legislation proposes to replace the current national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the anthem originally adopted when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960.
The old anthem was discontinued in 1978 during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who resided in Nigeria at the time of its independence.
The music was composed by Frances Berda. The anthem played a vital role in fostering Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the anthem’s significant impact, noting that its performance evoked deep patriotism among Nigerians.
Those who lived during that period remember the anthem’s crucial role in the nation’s history, bringing back nostalgic memories of the early years of independence.
On Monday, the Senate conducted a public hearing on the Act to provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and related matters.
Bamidele, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the hearing, mentioned that the second stanza of the current national anthem should be designated as the national prayer. However, he acknowledged that further consultation might be necessary.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stressed that the amendment should not be enacted solely through legislative action but should involve broader consultation to reflect the will of all Nigerians.
He affirmed that while the reversal was reasonable, it required a comprehensive process to ensure it truly represented the general populace’s wishes.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, noted that one line from the previous anthem addressed the issue of oppression.
He, along with the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, asserted that changing the national anthem was overdue. Ozekhome recalled advocating for the anthem’s change 10 years ago during the 2014 National Conference, where the idea was debated and supported by 490 delegates.
Ozekhome also critiqued the current Nigerian flag, describing it as too bland and uninspiring compared to the flags of the United States and South Africa.
Last week, the bill to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” passed its second reading in the Senate before being approved on Tuesday. The House of Representatives has also passed the bill.
For the change to take effect, the bill must be harmonized by both chambers of the National Assembly and receive the President’s approval.
See the Old Anthem below;
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.
