President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the bill to revert Nigeria’s national anthem to the old “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” anthem used after the country’s independence in 1960.
The old anthem was composed by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate living in Nigeria, with music by Frances Berda. The lyrics evoke themes of national unity, pride, and a prayer for prosperity: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand, Nigerians all, and proud to serve our sovereign Motherland.”
The change has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters say the old anthem better captures Nigeria’s early national identity and unity.
Critics argue the country has more pressing issues to address than changing the anthem.
Some have also questioned whether the change was rushed without wider public consultation.
Nonetheless, the return to the old anthem is now official, and Nigerians will once again hear the familiar refrain of “Nigeria, we hail thee” on the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
