The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem.
The bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, was taken through the first, second and third reading on Thursday amid opposition from some lawmakers.
The
lyrics of the old National Anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams, composed
by Frances Berda and sung between 1960 and 1978 were:
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
And
this we count as gain
To pass
unto 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.
The
current national anthem was adopted in 1978 during the military regime of
Olusegun Obasanjo.
It was written by John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu, five winners of a competition, and composed by Benedict Odiase.
The
current national anthem is:
Arise,
O Compatriots,
Nigeria’s
call obey
To
serve our Fatherland
With
love and strength and faith
The
labour 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 all creation,
Direct
our noble cause
Guide
our leaders right
Help
our youth the 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.
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