A National Anthem is a solemn patriotic song that is officially taken by a country as an expression of national identity. Seldom used as prayer at official gatherings, a country’s anthem is more than a song, it is the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of the founding fathers of such a country.
Below is the official national anthem of Nigeria.
- 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 leader’s 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.
Though the above anthem is what is used as the Nigerian national anthem today, it wasn’t the very first Nigerian National Anthem. The very first was highly criticized, but unfortunately, the prayers of the very first National Anthem, if it had come true, Nigeria perhaps would have been a better country than what it is today. Please give your comments in the comment section below on what you feel about the change.
All 3 Stanzas of Nigeria’s anthem were recited on October 01, 1960, by the MRA Studio Orchestra under the direction of the Brazilian composer – Remo Usai.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was Nigeria’s anthem from 1960-1978. It was written by Lillian Jean Williams and the music was composed by Frances Berda.
The anthem faced criticism from its onset. Eventually, it was changed to “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues 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.
Did you take note of the “Where no man is oppressed”?
Contents
When was the Nigerian National Anthem Composed?
The first anthem of Nigeria was written in 1960. Later the government of Nigeria decided to change it and announced a competition for the national anthem. The committee chose five winners and combined their entries into one. “Arise, O Compatriots” was composed in 1978.
Who composed the Nigerian National Anthem?
The first Nigerian National Anthem was composed by “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 first anthem of Nigeria was written in 1960. Later the government of Nigeria decided to change it after several petitions. The government announced a competition for the national anthem. The committee chose five winners and combined their entries into one. “Arise, O Compatriots” was thus written by a committee in 1978. The music of the Nigerian anthem was, however, composed by Mr. Ben Odiase, the director of the Nigeria Band. It is the most important symbol of any country, as the anthem unites all Nigerians into one sovereign state. And that is its meaning and purpose.
The names of the 5 winners are:
1. Eme Etim Akpan
2. John A. Ilechukwu
3. B. A. Ogunnaike
4. P. O. Aderibigbe
5. Dr. Sota Omoigui
Why was the first Nigerian National Anthem changed?
When “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was first announced, the new national anthem faced criticism for a number[quantify] 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] Source: Wikipedia
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