The old national anthem ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’ which was composed by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and was adopted when we gained independence on October 1, 1960, and used up until 1978, has been officially lawed as Nigeria’s anthem going forward.
The bill which was passed by the Senate on the 28th and the 23rd of May by the House of Representatives, was officially signed into law on the 30th of May as the Nations new anthem.
Thus, the President has officially passed into law, the bill to revert to the country’s old national anthem. deemed as one that symbolizes the diversity of Nigeria.
Nigerians are urged to get acquainted to the anthem as soon as possible as it is already being adopted immediately.
Lawmakers as well as Nigerians in general are urged henceforth to refer to themselves as brothers and not compatriots contained in the previous national anthem.
Lyrics to “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,
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.