‘Nigeria we hail thee’ – Lyrics of old National Anthem adopted by House of Reps

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to adopt the old National Anthem.

The bill which was sponsored by the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was passed despite opposition from some lawmakers.

It was debated for a second reading and rushed through a third reading amid a rowdy session.

Similarly, the Nigerian Senate held an executive/closed session on Thursday to deliberate on changing the national anthem.

Although the reason for the move has not been made public, the change is already attracting criticism from concerned Nigerians.

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Newspot reports that the anthem was used from independence in 1960 until 1978 when the present anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was adopted in 1978.

Here is the lyrics of the old National Anthem.

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.

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.