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Nigeria: Tinubu reinstates old national anthem

By In-house West Africa

30 May 2024 - 13:05

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a bill restoring the West African country’s original independence anthem.

‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, will now be used instead of ‘Arise O’ Compatriots’, following the swift and unanimous adoption of a bill introduced to parliament on 23 May and signed into law on 29 May.

This move has sparked polarising national feedback, with many Nigerians claiming that it evokes a colonial past. It comes two years after Tinubu expressed his desire to reinstate the first national anthem, arguing that it better represented the nation’s values.

“If I had my way, I would bring back our first national anthem,” Tinubu, who marked his first anniversary in office on 29 May, said in a past interview. He argued that the anthem “described us much better. I don’t know why we changed it. It’s about service, diversity and commitment to value our nation-building.”

On her X handle, Afropop singer Teni said that she would miss the old anthem, reminiscing about “so many childhood memories” associated with it.

The chairman of the parliamentary committee which pushed the bill through, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, defended the action, saying that it was “apt, timely and important.”

“It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity,” Monguno said.

The independence anthem, which had been in use since 1960, was repealed in 1978 by then the country’s military leader Olusegun Obasanjo.

Lyrics of ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’

Nigeria, we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

In brotherhood, 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 honour’d,

And this we count as gain,