Arise, O Compatriots

Arise, O Compatriots

National anthem of  Nigeria
Lyrics	John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P.O. Aderibigbe
Music	Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiasse
Adopted	1978
Relinquished	present
Audio sample
Arise O Compatriots (Instrumental) file help

"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.^[1] The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.

English lyrics

Arise, O compatriots

Nigeria's call obey

To serve our fatherland

With love and strength and faith

The labour of our heroes past

Shall never be in vain

To serve with heart and might

One nation bound in freedom

Peace and unity.

Oh God of creation

Direct our noble cause

Guide our leaders right

Help our youth the truth to know

In love and honesty to grow

And living just and true

Great lofty heights attain

To build a nation where peace

And justice shall reign

Lyrics in Hausa

Yaku 'yan Nijeriya ku farka;

Ku amsa kiran Nijeriya;

Domin mu taimaki ƙasarmu ta haihuwa;

Don aiki ga ƙasata cikin soyayya da riƙon gaskiya;

Domin gudumawar da shuwagabaninmu 'yan kishin ƙasa suka bada;

kada ta zama a banza;

Muyi aiki da zuciya ɗaya da girmamawa a gareta;

Domin ta kasance ƙasa ɗaya mai yanci ga kowa tare da haɗin kai da zaman lafiya.

Lyrics in Igbo

Bilie, O compatriots,

Nigeria oku rubere,

Iji na-eje ozi anyị nna,

Na ịhụnanya na ike na okwukwe,

The ọrụ anyị dike gara aga,

Agaghi-abụ ihe efu,

Iji na-eje ozi na obi na idi-ike,

Otu mba kee onwe,

Udo na ịdị n'otu.

Lyrics in Yoruba

Dide eyin ara .

Wa je-pe Naijiria,

ka fife sin 'lewa

pelu okun ati 'gbagbo

Ki ise awon akoni wa

ko ma se ja sa-san,

Ka sin tokan-tara

ile tominira wa,

ti alafia so-dokan.

National Pledge

The Pledge is recited immediately after the National Anthem

  I pledge to Nigeria my country.
  To be faithful, loyal and honest.
  To serve Nigeria with all my strength.
  To defend her unity, and uphold her honor and glory.
  So help me God.

References

• Nigerian National Anthem And Pledge - Nairaland

External links

• Nigeria: Arise, O Compatriots - Audio of the national anthem of Nigeria, with information and lyrics
• The Consulate General of Nigeria, New York. USA