How to sing the old national anthem as reps seek its return

The House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday for a second reading, suggesting a switch back to the original national anthem. Julius Ihonvbere, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the significance of patriotism and nationalism in his argument for the bill’s general principles.

The previous national anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee, was in use from 1960 after Nigeria gained independence until it was replaced by Arise, O Compatriots in 1978.

In 1959, Lilian Jean Williams penned the lyrics for Nigeria’s former national anthem while Frances Berda composed its music during the same year.

First Step: Understand the lyrics

The anthem’s lyrics, written by Lilian Jean Williams in 1959, evoke a sense of national pride and unity. It begins with the lines:

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.

Second Stem: Learn the melody

You can listen to recordings of the anthem to familiarise yourself with the melody or use sheet music to follow along.

Third Step: Sing along

Start by singing the anthem slowly, focusing on getting the pronunciation and melody right.

Fourth Step: Reflect on the meaning

For example, the anthem’s final stanza reflects on the nation’s aspirations for peace, prosperity, and equality:

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.

Below is the full anthem:

Nigeria Old National Anthem Lyrics

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’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to 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.