Almost every country in the world has a national anthem, and Nigeria is no exception. In this post, we’ll take you through the history of Nigeria’s national anthem—from its first version to the one we sing today.
The First Nigerian National Anthem
Before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate living in Nigeria, gifted the country its first national anthem. Frances Breda, also British, composed the music.
The anthem read:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Through tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand…
The anthem received criticism because many Nigerians felt uneasy that a European, from the same background as the colonial masters, had composed it.
The Daily Service, a popular newspaper run by the Yoruba group Egbé Omo Òduduwá, led the campaign against the anthem. The newspaper’s campaign prompted a committee to collect public opinions through a petition.
Creation of the Current National Anthem
By 1977, the petition against the old anthem had gained momentum. In 1978, after 18 years, the National Publicity Committee organized a contest to create a new anthem. Many entries arrived, and the committee shortlisted five writers:
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Sotu Omoigui
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B. A. Ogunnaike
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John A. Ilechukwu
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Eme Etim Akpan
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P.O. Aderibigbe
The committee combined pieces from their submissions to form the new anthem. At the time, Nigeria was under military rule, and the Nigerian Police Band, under Benedict Elide Odiase, composed the music.
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever."
The anthem we sing today reads:
Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith…
Since 1978, this anthem has remained official. Benedict Elide Odiase passed away on June 12, 2013, but his legacy—and that of the five writers—remains alive every time Nigerians sing the anthem.
