President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially reinstated “Nigeria We Hail Thee” as Nigeria’s national anthem, a significant move as part of constitutional provisions enacted on Wednesday. This anthem, originally adopted at independence in 1960, was replaced in 1978 by the military administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. Now, it makes a triumphant return.
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Table of Contents
Who is Lillian Jean Williams?
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate living in Nigeria during its independence, wrote the lyrics for “Nigeria We Hail Thee” in 1959. Her composition was part of a federal government contest to create a national anthem, for which she won a prize. The music for the anthem was composed by Frances Berda, a ballet musician, who also won a prize of £1,000.
The Anthem’s Journey
“Nigeria We Hail Thee” was first adopted on Independence Day, October 1, 1960. However, it was dropped in 1978 due to criticism that it was written by foreigners and did not reflect Nigerian input. The late South African literary icon Ezekiel Mphahlele highlighted this sentiment in his article “Nigeria on the Eve of Independence in Africa Today,” published in September 1960.
Mphahlele noted that many Nigerians felt the anthem should have been chosen from the 500 entries submitted by Nigerians themselves. Despite these criticisms, the anthem was celebrated for its message of unity among Nigerians.
The recent legislation, passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, has reverted the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” This decision underscores a renewed appreciation for the historical significance of the original anthem.
Full Lyrics of ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’
Stanza 1
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
Stanza 2
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.
Stanza 3
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
Conclusion
Lillian Jean Williams’ contribution to Nigeria’s national identity is once again recognized and celebrated. Despite past controversies, “Nigeria We Hail Thee” stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and patriotism in Nigeria.
President Tinubu, alongside lawmakers, has already sung the reinstated anthem, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s national history. As Nigerians embrace this change, the anthem’s timeless message continues to resonate across the nation.
