Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960. The anthem’s lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence. Frances Berda composed the music for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The second national anthem, “Arise O, Compatriots,” replaced “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in 1978.
On May 23, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill to revert from the current anthem to Nigeria, We Hail Thee.
When “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was first announced, the new national anthem faced criticism for several reasons. The Daily Service, a newspaper run by the Yoruba organisation Egbé Omo Oduduwa, started a rebellious campaign against the national anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition.
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Nigeria we hail thee,
Our dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
Inbrotherhood, 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 honoured,
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.
