The Nigerian National Assembly is contemplating a return to the country’s original National Anthem.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are evaluating separate bills to reinstate the anthem that was in use from 1960 to 1978.
In a recent development, the Senate conducted a private session, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to deliberate on a bill that proposes amendments to the anthem’s components.
The session commenced following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate’s plan includes an initial reading of the bill, followed by a swift second reading during the same plenary session.
In a parallel move, the House of Representatives, driven by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, has already processed a bill through all three readings in one day, despite some dissenting voices.
Should the bill become law, it would replace the current anthem, which was introduced in 1978 under the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, with the original lyrics penned by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda:
“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 anthem, adopted in 1978, was the result of a national competition and composed by Benedict Odiase.
