The Forgotten Anthem: ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’
“Nigeria We Hail Thee” was the national anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots.”
The Lyrics of “Nigeria We Hail Thee”:
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’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.
Composer and Criticisms:
The lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate in Nigeria. The anthem faced criticism, particularly for not being composed by a Nigerian.
