Tinubu signs new Bill that changes Nigerian National Athem
By KEMI KASUMU
President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has signed the National Anthem Bill, 2024 into Law.
By implication, “Nigeria We Hail thee” becomes the first stanza of the country’s national anthem, replacing “Arise O Compatriots”.
“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.”
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio announced this on Wednesday, during a joint session of the National Assembly to mark 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
The joint session sang the new national anthem before the arrival of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima among other top government functionaries.
Here’s the lyrics
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes 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 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 shall be blessed.
