By Ayinde Toluwase Rachael
Lawmakers made a surprising move towards reinstating the old national anthem ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ on Thursday, May 23, 2024, during a plenary session. The bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and supported by other lawmakers. The House of Representatives also passed the bill on the same day, sponsored by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere.
The old national anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ was written a few months before the country gained her independence from British colonial rule by British expatriate, Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda in 1957. The anthem praised the country’s rich culture and history and its lyrics show patriotism expected of every Nigerian.
However in 1978, after the civil war, the old national anthem was replaced by the current national anthem ‘Arise O’ Compatriot…..’ It was written by Late Pa Benedict Odiase who was the then Director of the Nigeria Police Band and other four Nigerian authors.
It is a prayer and an anthem that encourages harmony, a symbol of national unity and patriotism, celebrates Nigeria’s diversity and cultural heritage, expresses hope and optimism for a brighter future, encouraging Nigerians to work together towards peace, justice and national greatness.
In a move that caught many off, the bill to reinstate old national anthem sparked a heated debate, with proponents hailing it as a return to Nigeria’s root and critics described it as a step backward.
Some Nigerians who are in favour of the old anthem argued that it is more accurate and represents the country’s cultural heritage and identity. They said it’s more poetic and lyrical with soothing melody which evokes a sense of national pride.
The old anthem is a reminder of the country’s history and struggle for independence and more respected and recognizable internationally. To the supporters, reverting old anthem could help harmonise Nigerians across generations and regions, as it is a familiar and beloved symbol of national unity.
Therefore, abandoning it would mean losing an important part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and historical legacy.
Nevertheless the opponents argued against reinstating the old anthem, emphasizing that ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ is outdated and the lyrics is no longer reflect Nigeria’s current realities and aspirations, may be perceived as less modern by international community and could impact the country’s global image.
Also it evokes nostalgia only among older generations while younger Nigerians and minority groups may not connect with it, some Nigerian youths who had listened to the old anthem say it is boring.
Moreover, while the supporters are seeing the current anthem ‘Arise O’ Compatriot’ as a product of a military junta which does not reflect the country’s democratic values, the opponents said the old anthem was not written by a Nigerian and reverting to old anthem ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ could be a step backward undoing the progress made towards a more inclusive and modern national identity.
The debate highlights the importance of national symbols and the needs for inclusive and representation of Nigeria’s diverse culture and history. The bill passed its first, second and third reading and President Bola Tinubu has assented to the National Anthem Bill 2024 during the joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, today May 29, 2024.
Ayinde Toluwase Rachael
300 Level student of Mass Communication departmentA
hmadu Bello University Zaria , Kaduna State.
