A Detailed Guide to Nigeria's National Anthem: History, Evolution, and Lyrics

Growing up in Jalingo, Taraba State, I remember singing the first two stanzas of the Nigerian national anthem at New Era Nursery School during morning assemblies.

It was one of those rituals that stayed with me as a proud Nigerian. But did you know that Nigeria has had two different national anthems since gaining independence in 1960?

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Nigeria’s national anthems, the people behind the words and music, and why the current anthem is such a powerful symbol of national unity.

The First National Anthem: "Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (1960–1978)

History:

After gaining independence on October 1, 1960, Nigeria adopted its first national anthem, *“Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”* The lyrics were composed by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate living in Nigeria, and the music was arranged by Frances Berda, another British citizen.

Although this anthem symbolized Nigeria’s independence and unity, it was criticized for lacking input from indigenous Nigerians. By the 1970s, calls for a new anthem that reflected Nigeria’s cultural heritage grew louder.

Lyrics:

Here are the lyrics of "Nigeria, We Hail Thee":

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"Nigeria, we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue 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 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."

Legacy:

This anthem holds historical significance as Nigeria’s first national anthem. However, it was replaced in 1978 because it didn’t fully capture the Nigerian identity or include contributions from Nigerians themselves.

The Current National Anthem: "Arise, O Compatriots” (1978–Present)

History of the Nigerian Anthem:

In 1978, the Nigerian government organized a national competition to create a new anthem that would better reflect the nation’s cultural diversity and aspirations. Out of the submissions, five Nigerians collaborated to create the lyrics, and **Benedict E. Odiase**, a member of the Nigerian Police Band, composed the music.

The five contributors to the lyrics were:

1. John A. Ilechukwu

2. Eme Etim Akpan

3. Babatunde Ogunnaike

4. Sotu Omoigui

5. P. O. Aderibigbe

This collaborative effort resulted in the current anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, which was officially adopted in 1978.

Lyric:

Here are the complete lyrics of "Arise, O Compatriots”:

First Stanza

"Arise, O compatriots,

Nigeria’s call obey,

To serve our fatherland

With love and strength and faith.

The labor of our heroes past

Shall never be in vain,

To serve with heart and might

One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity. "

Second Stanza

"Oh God of creation,

Direct our noble cause;

Guide our leaders 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."

Key Differences Between the Two Anthems

1. Cultural Representation:

- The first anthem was composed by expatriates, while the second was written by Nigerians.

2. Themes:

- Nigeria, We Hail Thee emphasizes unity and service to the sovereign Motherland.

- Arise, O Compatriots highlights national pride, the sacrifices of heroes past, and the pursuit of peace and justice.

3. Music:

- The first anthem has a slower, hymn-like tune.

- The current anthem is more upbeat and solemn, reflecting a sense of urgency and patriotism.

My Memories of Singing the Anthem

As a child in New Era Nursery School, I didn’t fully understand the depth of the words we sang during assembly.

But now, looking back, I realize that those mornings weren’t just about memorizing lines—they were about instilling pride, unity, and responsibility. Today, the anthem continues to inspire me, reminding me of Nigeria’s journey and potential.

Why the Anthem Still Matters

The national anthem is more than just a song; it’s a call to action. It reminds us of the sacrifices of our forebears, the need to uphold justice and peace, and the shared responsibility of building a better Nigeria.

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by Simon Taki Zaku

Founder, CEO, IBIFoundry.com.ng