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<\/p>\nIf you\u2019ve ever attended a national event, you must have heard the Nigerian National anthem being sung.<\/p>\n
Or if you attended a Nigerian primary or secondary school, you certainly should have sung the national anthem. This was usually during the morning assembly. This habit of singing the national anthem every day ingrained the lyrics in the memory of every Nigerian student.<\/p>\n
It is easy to forget this anthem once you leave the school setting. But the national anthem is a national symbol that shouldn\u2019t be easily forgotten because it is too precious to be abandoned in the archives of history.<\/p>\n
For this reason, this article has been written. In the course of the post, you will not just be reminded of the lyrics of the national anthem, you will also learn about the history of the anthem.<\/p>\n
Okay, let\u2019s take a peek in to the history of the national anthem. Interestingly, you never can tell, something about the anthem\u2019s history might be a question for you at your next interview and reading this post might just be what will save your day.<\/p>\n
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Before Nigeria gained Independence, the special British anthem was sung at all official or important events. However, months before the country\u2019s freedom from the British rule, a Nigerian National anthem was composed.<\/p>\n
It was written by Miss Lillian Jean Williams and was rendered by Miss Frances Benda. Both the music composer and the writer were Britons.<\/p>\n
Subsequently, this song which was popularly called \u2018Nigeria we hail thee\u2019 was adopted by the country on the 1st<\/sup> of October, 1960, the Nigerian Independence Day.<\/p>\n The wordings of this National Anthem is as follows<\/p>\n Nigeria we hail thee,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Our own dear native land, This anthem was quite impressive and it remained a national symbol for many years, precisely between 1960 and 1978. It was often sung at official events and occassions but was eventually abandoned for a couple of reasons:<\/p>\n This led to a call by the Federal Government to create an open competition for Nigerians to send in submissions for the lyrics of a new anthem. There were over a thousand submissions precisely, one thousand four hundred and forty nine (1449).<\/p>\n At the end of the day, 5 individuals were chosen. Those who wrote the selected Nigerian National Anthem were given N1000 for their intellectual works and they are:<\/p>\n The compositions from these five composers were blended into one and the new composition was handed over to the head of music of the Nigerian Police Force, Benedict Elide Odiase on the 10th<\/sup> of May 1978.<\/p>\n Benedict Elide sought the help of the Professor Akin Euba and consequently the lyrics of the anthem were rendered into music by the Nigerian Police Band. This new anthem was adopted and sang for the first time on the 1st October, 1978, during General Olusegun Obasanjo regime. It is in two stanzas.<\/p>\n The anthem was applauded by many as it glorified the rich vibrant culture and heritage of the country. Also, the patriotism expected of every Nigerian is deeply embedded in the lyrics of this anthem. Basically, this great song is national call for all Nigerians to serve their motherland not just passively but with love and compassion.<\/p>\n The song also takes into account the historical past particularly the struggles of the national heroes pre-independence and it also infuses the aspirations of the future generation.<\/p>\n Unlike the previous national anthem, this anthem highlights the single chord that binds the citizen of this great nation no matter where they are.<\/p>\n 1st<\/sup> stanza<\/p>\n Arise, O compatriots<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Nigeria\u2019s call obey<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n To serve our fatherland<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n With love and strength and faith<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The labour of our heroes past<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Shall never be in vain<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n To serve with heart and might<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n One nation bound in freedom<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Peace and unity.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The anthem has a second stanza, although not as popular as the first stanza, it is a unique call. Basically, this is a prayer which is offered to the Creator to guide the nation, the leaders and the youth aright. In this respect, the blessings of the lord are prayed for so as to guide the nation towards prosperity whilst ushering an era of peace in the country.<\/p>\n 2nd<\/sup> stanza<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Oh God of creation<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Direct our noble cause<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Guide our leaders right<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Help our youth the truth to know<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n In love and honesty to grow<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n And live in just and true<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Great lofty heights attain<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n To build a nation where peace<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n And justice shall reign<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll probably hear this stanza in solemn gathering like churches or mosques. As a matter of fact, the Federal Executive Council in 2012 decided that the second stanza should be the official national prayer and was to replace the separate Christian and Muslim prayers often offered at official gatherings and events.<\/p>\n Overall, the Nigerian Anthem speaks to the heart of every Nigerian and it is indeed the dream of every citizen of this great nation. The anthem has been translated to other languages such as Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo.<\/p>\n We certainly can\u2019t talk about the National Anthem with mentioning the National Pledge. The pledge is often recited after the anthem with one hand raised or placed on the left side of the chest.<\/p>\n It was written by Professor Felicia Adebola Adedoyin in 1976. Although, the pledge is a short recitation it is very powerful and the wordings are as follow:<\/p>\n \u201cI pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria will all my strength, to defend her unity, uphold her honor and glory, so help me God.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, the Nigerian National Anthem is a symbol of national significance and the roots and reality of this anthem should never be forgotten if you\u2019re a Nigerian.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you\u2019ve ever attended a national event, you must have heard the Nigerian National anthem being sung. Or if you … <\/p>\n
\nThough tribes and tongues may differ,
\nIn brotherhood we stand,
\nNigerians are proud to serve,
\nOur sovereign motherland.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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