First Nigerian National Anthem: Nigeria, We Hail Thee
National anthems are not just ceremonial songs; they are powerful expressions of identity, unity, and hope. For Nigeria, the first national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” embodies the optimism of a country on the verge of independence. Adopted on October 1, 1960, it symbolized the birth of a sovereign nation united in its diversity.
Though it was replaced in 1978 with “Arise, O Compatriots,” the original anthem remains an enduring part of Nigeria’s history. Its reinstatement in 2024 has sparked renewed conversations about its relevance, origins, and legacy. In this article, we will discuss about the story behind “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” its lyrics, the transition to a new anthem, and its impact on Nigeria’s national identity.
THE STORY BEHIND “NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE”
The creation of Nigeria’s first anthem was inspired by the need to define a unifying national identity at the dawn of independence. The government launched a competition to find an anthem that could capture the spirit of a diverse yet united Nigeria. The winning lyrics were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who worked with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Welfare.
Williams’ contribution wasn’t just literary; it was also selfless. She donated her prize money from the competition to the Nigerian Red Cross, reflecting her deep respect for the nation. The music for the anthem was composed by Frances Benda, a pseudonym for Mrs. Charles Kernot, a professional pianist and music teacher based in London.
This collaboration between two expatriates resulted in a simple yet profound anthem that resonated deeply with Nigerians.
NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE: FIRST NIGERIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
The lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” are lyrics that defined the nation. It spoke directly to the ideals of unity and service:
LYRICS IN ENGLISH
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, are 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.
LYRICS IN HAUSA
Nijeriya za mu yi maka kuka,
Kasashenmu na asali,
Ko da yake kabila da harshe na iya bambanta,
A cikin ‘yan uwantaka mun tsaya,
‘Yan Nijeriya duka, suna alfaharin yin aiki
Ƙasarmu ta ƙasarmu.
Our flag zai zama alama
Wannan gaskiya da adalci ke mulki,
A cikin zaman lafiya ko yaki,
Kuma wannan mun ƙidaya a matsayin riba,
Don mika wa yara
Banner ba tare da tabo ba.
Ya Allah na dukan halitta,
Ka ba wannan buƙatar mu ɗaya,
Taimaka mana mu gina al’umma
Inda ba wanda aka zalunta,
Sabili da haka da zaman lafiya da yalwa
Nijeriya na iya samun albarka.
NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE LYRICS IN IGBO
Naijiria anyi gua gi,
Ala anyi di ala,
Ọ bụ ezie na ebo na ire nwere ike ịdị iche,
N’etiti ụmụnna anyị na-eguzo,
Ndị Nigerians niile, na-enwe obi ụtọ ije ozi
Ala nna anyi nke mba anyi.
Ọkọlọtọ anyị ga-abụ ihe nnọchianya
Eziokwu na ikpe ziri ezi na-achị,
Na udo ma ọ bụ agha agha,
Na nke a anyị gụrụ dị ka uru,
Iji nyere ụmụ anyị aka
A ọkọlọtọ na-enweghị ntụpọ.
O Chineke nke ihe nile e kere eke,
Nye ihe a otu arịrịọ anyị,
Nyere anyi aka iwulite mba
N’ebe a na-emegbu mmadụ,
Ya mere na udo na ọtụtụ
Nigeria nwere ike gọzie.
FIRST NIGERIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM LYRICS IN YORUBA
Ile-ilẹ ara ilu wa,
Bi o tilẹ jẹ pe ede ati ede le yato,
Ni ẹgbẹ ẹgbẹ wa duro,
Gbogbo eniyan ni orile-ede
Niger ni igberaga lati sin
Ile-Ile Ijọba wa.
Flag wa yoo jẹ aami kan
Otit] ati ododo yii j] ba,
Ni alaafia tabi ọṣọ ogun,
Ati eyi ti a kà bi ere,
Lati fi ọwọ si awọn ọmọ wa
A asia ti ko ni idoti.
Iwọ Ọlọrun ti gbogbo ẹda,
Fun wa ni ibeere kan wa,
Ran wa lọwọ lati kọ orilẹ-ede kan
Nibo ti a ko ni eniyan ni inunibini,
Ati bẹ pẹlu alafia ati opolopo
Nigeria le jẹ alabukunfun.
Lyrics in other languages were sourced from Wikipedia.
These words reflected the aspiration to build a nation that celebrated its diversity while fostering unity. At a time when regional and ethnic tensions loomed large, the anthem was a call to focus on shared goals and national pride.
WHY WAS “NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE” REPLACED?
In 1978, under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, a decision was made to replace “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” with a new anthem. The government felt that Nigeria’s national symbols should be entirely Nigerian in origin. As a result, the new anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was created through a national competition.
Unlike its predecessor, the new anthem was composed entirely by Nigerians. The lyrics were derived from the best submissions by various citizens, and the music was composed by Nigerian Police Band Director Benedict E. Odiase.
This shift symbolized a broader move toward cultural ownership and self-determination. While “Arise, O Compatriots” has become a defining symbol of modern Nigeria, the replacement of the first anthem also sparked debates about the value of preserving historical symbols.
THE REINSTATEMENT OF “NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE” IN 2024
On May 29, 2024, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was officially reinstated as the national anthem by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This decision marked a return to the ideals of independence and a celebration of Nigeria’s historical roots.
The reinstatement was met with mixed reactions. Supporters viewed it as a nostalgic move that honoured the nation’s past. For them, the anthem’s emphasis on unity and service remained as relevant today as it was in 1960.
However, critics questioned the suitability of some of the language in the anthem, particularly terms like “native land” and “tribe,” which they argued could feel outdated or exclusionary in contemporary Nigeria. Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili notably expressed concerns about the anthem’s relevance, urging for a more inclusive representation of Nigeria’s diversity.
A REFLECTION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY
Despite the debates, the enduring appeal of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” lies in its ability to inspire a sense of unity and pride. The anthem captures the essence of Nigeria’s journey as a young nation striving to overcome challenges and build a collective identity.
Its reinstatement provides an opportunity to reflect on the values it promotes: unity in diversity, patriotism, and the willingness to serve the nation. These ideals remain important as Nigeria continues to tackle complex issues such as ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic inequality.
COMPARING THE TWO ANTHEMS
While both anthems reflect Nigeria’s aspirations, they do so in different ways:
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” focuses on unity and pride in diversity, capturing the optimism of independence.
“Arise, O Compatriots” emphasizes patriotism and collective action, reflecting the challenges of post-civil war Nigeria.
The shift from one anthem to another underscores how national symbols evolve to meet the changing needs of a nation.
LESSONS FROM THE RE-ADOPTION OF “NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE”
The return of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” invites Nigerians to reconnect with the spirit of independence. It reminds us of the optimism and unity that defined our nation at its birth. At a time when divisions often dominate the headlines, the anthem serves as a powerful call to focus on shared goals and a collective future.
This decision also raises important questions about the role of historical symbols in shaping national identity. Can a nation embrace its past while adapting to modern realities? The reinstatement of the first anthem suggests that revisiting our roots can offer valuable insights for the present.
CONCLUSION
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is more than just a historical artefact; it is a testament to Nigeria’s enduring spirit. It calls on all Nigerians to rise above their differences and work together for the good of the nation. The anthem’s reinstatement is a reminder that unity, service, and pride in our diversity are timeless values. As Nigerians, we are tasked with building on the foundation laid by our forebears to create a brighter future for generations to come.
