Nigeria We Hail Thee. An Old Anthem for a New Emerging Brand
Nigeria we hail thee, is Nigeria’s old national anthem. The Internet was set ablaze when it was recently announced by the president that we will be reverting back to our old national anthem. While this news was greeted with a lot of excitement by some Nigerians, others were quick to point out that an anthem reboot was nowhere near the issues we were facing as a nation. Here are the lyrics to this melodic anthem and a video to help you learn it.
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.
Nigeria’s first national anthem holds a special place as a symbol of unity, aspiration, and the spirit of a young nation emerging into independence. Penned by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, Nigeria’s inaugural anthem encapsulated the hopes and dreams of a diverse populace coming together under one banner.
In the wake of Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, the need for a national anthem became paramount, signifying the birth of a new era. Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, was commissioned to write the lyrics. Drawing from the nation’s rich cultural heritage, Williams crafted verses that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity while fostering a sense of collective pride and identity.
Complementing Williams’ lyrical prowess was the musical ingenuity of Frances Berda, an accomplished musician of Hungarian descent. Berda’s composition skillfully intertwined traditional Nigerian melodies with Western musical elements, creating a harmonious blend reflective of the nation’s cultural mosaic. The result was a stirring anthem that resonated with Nigerians across ethnicities and regions.
The lyrics of Nigeria’s first national anthem reflected themes of unity, peace, and progress. Lines like “Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land” and “Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand” encapsulated the nation’s aspirations for harmony amidst diversity. The anthem served as a unifying force, fostering a sense of national pride and identity among citizens.
Transition and Evolution
In 1978, as Nigeria underwent political changes, a decision was made to adopt a new national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase. While the transition marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s history, the legacy of the first national anthem endures as a testament to the nation’s early years of independence and the spirit of unity that defined it.
Significance of Reinstating the Original Anthem
Bringing back “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” holds profound implications for national unity and brand repositioning. The anthem’s lyrics celebrate Nigeria’s diversity while emphasizing the common bonds that unite its citizens. By reinstating this anthem, Nigeria can evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride, fostering a renewed spirit of unity and patriotism among its people.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recognized the importance of reclaiming Nigeria’s heritage and fostering a sense of unity among its populace. By advocating for the return of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the president aims to reconnect Nigerians with their shared history and values, signaling a commitment to national cohesion and collective identity.
In conclusion, reverting back to Nigeria’s original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” represents a symbolic step towards fostering unity and revitalizing the nation’s identity. As Nigeria navigates its path towards progress and development, embracing its cultural heritage and reclaiming its roots will be essential for building a cohesive and resilient society. With visionary leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, Nigeria can once again hail its beloved homeland with pride and unity.
