The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has officially revealed the approved lyrics of Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem.
The Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, announced the standardized version of the anthem during a ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Encouraging Nigerians to take heed of the revised lyrics, particularly in lines three and five, Issa-Onilu emphasized the significance of the national anthem in embodying the country’s values and aspirations.
The reintroduction of the national anthem comes as part of President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the current government.
On May 29, 2024, President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, reinstating the former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” in place of “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, President Tinubu emphasized that the reinstated national anthem celebrates the nation’s diversity and unity, symbolizing the collective identity of all Nigerians as brothers and sisters.
Standardized Anthem
Stanza 1
Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Stanza 2
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.
Stanza 3
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.