Following the approval of the bill advocating for a return to the old national anthem by the Nigerian Senate, it is crucial for Nigerians, particularly the youth and students, to familiarize themselves with the Old National Anthem.
With the anthem a President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signature away from being back into prominence and onto our lips, understanding its significance becomes even more essential.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was chosen as Nigeria’s inaugural national anthem on October 1, 1960. The lyrics of the anthem were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria at the time of its independence.
Frances Berda composed the music for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
It was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
Get Familiar with the Lyrics
“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.
These are the stirring words that once echoed as the anthem of Nigeria, encapsulating the hopes and aspirations of its people.
Master the melody
You can listen to recordings of the anthem to get acquainted with the melody, or you can use sheet music to follow along.
Sing Along
Begin by singing the anthem slowly, concentrating on achieving accurate pronunciation and melody.
Contemplate the significance
For instance, the anthem’s concluding stanza contemplates the nation’s desires for peace, prosperity, and equality.
In its entirety, it evokes a sense of national pride and unity.
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