Nigerians React to the New National Anthem Enforced by President Bola Tinubu
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced at a joint session of the National Assembly that the current national anthem would be replaced with the old one. He confirmed ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ as the new Nigeria National Anthem and joined lawmakers in singing it.
The old national anthem was originally introduced in 1960 but was later replaced in 1978 during the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.
Many Nigerians, however, are upset about the anthem change, which happened with little public input.
President Tinubu signed the bill on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda in 1959.
Tinubu enunciated that the anthem reflects Nigeria’s diversity, but many people believe that he should be focused on more urgent issues like insecurity, rising inflation, and the foreign exchange crisis.
As always, netizens swiftly took to their keypads to air their feelings about the change in the national anthem. And for many, the reactions were strong.
X user @Gospel_rxx said, “A new national anthem is the priority for Tinubu & Co at a time like this, When our people can’t eat, insecurity is rife & life is hell? What a sordid joke!!. Let’s see how they implement it…”
Another user, Fola Folayan, criticized the parliament for rushing the bill. “Changing the Nigerian national anthem written by a Nigerian, to the song written by colonizers is a stupid decision and it’s shameful that nobody in the National Assembly thought to stand against it.”
Meanwhile, lifestyle influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, shared a video of himself singing the old anthem with a choir on his X handle and IG story, indicating that he would always consider it his national anthem.
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili also posted that she would never sing the new-old anthem.
“Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili shall whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem [will] sing:”
She then posted the verses of the national anthem that had been used for the past 46 years.
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad added to the debate, suggesting some people now desired to change Nigeria’s name and flag as well.
He asked, “After the change of our national anthem, some people are now calling for the name ‘Nigeria’ and the national flag to be changed as well. What do you think? Should we keep the name Nigeria?”
However, Tahir Mongunu, chairman of the parliamentary committee behind the bill, defended the change. He said it was “apt, timely, and important.”
“It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity,” Tahir added.
That said, for the millennials, Gen Zs and Gen Alphas who never got to learn the old anthem, these are the lyrics so you won’t feel embarrassed if asked to recite it in public:
Nigeria’s New National Anthem
Verse 1
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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 shall be blessed.
What are your thoughts about the new Nigerian National Anthem? Do you think the change was necessary? Let us know in the comments session.
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