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]
National anthem of  Nigeria | |
| Lyrics | Lillian Jean Williams, Jonathan xuk |
|---|---|
| Music | Frances Berda |
| Adopted | October 1, 1960 |
| Relinquished | 1978 |
History
"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]
Lyrics
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes 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 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.
Criticism
When "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" 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 rebellious campaign against the national anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition.[3]
References
- "Nigeria's National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
- "Goodnight, Pa Benedict Odiase (1934 – 2013)". National Mirror. 2013-06-30. Archived from the original on 2013-07-04. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
- Mphahlele, Ezekiel (1960). "Nigeria on the Eve of Independence". Africa Today. 7 (6): 4. JSTOR 4184128.