The Nigerian national attempt is an important part of our heritage.The words embodies our rich history and unites the heart and spirit of everyone that sings.
It is general knowledge that the current national anthem is not Nigeria’s first.Before Arise O’ Compatriots, there was an old anthem.
Nigeria’s Old National Anthem was Written by our old colonizers specifically
Words by: Lilian Jean Williams
Music by: Frances Benda
It was in use for 18 years- precisely, 1960-1978
“Nigeria We Hail Thee”
Here it is;
NIGERIA’S OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM
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 Second and New National Anthem has a more interesting story.
The anthem is a potpourri of sentences from five of the best entries in a national contestunder the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.
The National Anthem
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth and truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
The National Pledge
I pledge to Nigeria, my country
To be faithful, loyal, and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honor and glory
So help me God.
The National Anthem
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth and truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
