President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Wednesday officially flagged off the use of the old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, replacing the current anthem, “Arise o’ Compatriots”.
The flag-off which took place at a joint session of the National Assembly was organised to mark 25 years of unbroken democracy in the country.
Before the commencement of the joint sitting, Senate President Akpabio announced that the president had in the morning signed into law the return to the old national anthem.
The return to the old national anthem followed the signing into law by President Tinubu of the repeal of the current national anthem and reenactment of the old national anthem at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.
It is titled “An Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and for matters related 2024”
Others who joined in flag off of the latest national anthem were Vice President Kasim Shettima, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state.
Also present were former speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Etteh, former deputy speakers and other prominent Nigerians.
Recall that the lyrics of the old national anthem, which has been adopted as the new anthem were written by a British expatriate, Lilian Jean William in 1959 while the music was composed by Frances Berda and was used from October 1, 1960 until 1978 when it was replaced by the “Arise O’ Compatriots”, written by Ben Odiase.
The House of Representatives had on May 23 passed the bill reverting to the old anthem while the Senate gave the bill accelerated hearing and passage on May 28. The bill was consequently transmitted to the President for Assent.
The bill was sponsored in the House by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, while Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi sponsored it in the Senate.
The revival of the old national anthem is expected to promote a sense of national identity among Nigerians, evoking national pride and unity. Ihonvbere argued that the old national anthem is an integral part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and should be restored to its former place of honour.
The lawmakers believe that the revival of the old national anthem will encourage Nigerians to act according to the patriotic lyrics contained in the national anthem.
It is also hoped that the return of the anthem would inspire a sense of national unity and pride among Nigerians, reconnecting them with their rich cultural heritage.
