By Uzair Adam Imam
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
This was revealed by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at a joint session of the National Assembly marking the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic.
The old anthem, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, replaces the current “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem.
The lyrics were written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, and the music was composed by Frances Berda.
The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.