NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE! Learn Nigeria’s Original National Anthem (Lyrics, Audio)

In a significant legislative development, the Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to revert to the country’s former national anthem, a decision that has sparked a wave of mixed emotions across the nation.

The bill, which successfully navigated third reading on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 has been met with a blend of nostalgia and curiosity, particularly among younger generations who have never experienced the anthem in use.

GWG.ng reports that the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was the country’s official anthem from independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced. For many older Nigerians, the anthem is a cherished symbol of the nation’s early post-independence era. However, those born after its replacement are encountering it for the first time, eliciting a range of reactions from curiosity to apprehension.

The lyrics of the old anthem are as follows:

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.

The anthem’s revival has stirred memories for many Nigerians who recall its powerful message of unity and service. The call for brotherhood despite tribal and linguistic differences, and the aspiration to pass on an unstained banner of truth and justice to future generations, resonate deeply with the current sociopolitical climate.

The move to reinstate the anthem is seen by some as a step towards reconnecting with Nigeria’s foundational values. Yet, it also raises questions about the implications for national identity and cultural continuity. Critics argue that the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has been in use for over four decades, is more reflective of Nigeria’s present-day realities and aspirations.

The mixed reactions underline the complexity of national symbols and their role in reflecting and shaping collective identity. As the bill progresses, the conversation surrounding the anthem’s reinstatement is expected to intensify, with citizens from all walks of life weighing in on this significant cultural shift.

For those interested in experiencing the anthem, GWG.ng has made available the lyrics and an audio recording, offering a portal to Nigeria’s rich historical tapestry.

Listen to the audio below;

As Nigeria stands at this crossroads, the journey to either embrace a nostalgic past or to continue forward with the current anthem will undoubtedly shape the nation’s narrative in the years to come.
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