Nigeria, We Hail Thee

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is the former national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978. Nigeria's present anthem, "Arise, O Compatriots," was adopted in 1978, replacing "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."^[1]

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was adopted as Nigeria's first national anthem on October 1, 1960.^[2] The anthem's lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence.^[2] Frances Berda composed the music for "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."^[2]

The second national anthem, "Arise, O Compatriots," replaced "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" in 1978.^[2]

Criticism

When it was first announced, the new national anthem faced criticism for a number of reasons. The Daily Service, a newspaper run by the Yoruba organisation Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà, started a campaign against the anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition.^[3]

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" (1960-1978)

Nigeria, we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe 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.

References