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

  1. ↑ "Nigeria’s National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Goodnight, Pa Benedict Odiase (1934 – 2013)". National Mirror. 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
  3. ↑ Mphahlele, Ezekiel (1960). "Nigeria on the Eve of Independence". Africa Today 7 (6): 4.
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