Opinion
By Patricia Adenike Balogun
THE day I learnt that Nigerians had returned to singing “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as it’s National Anthem instead of “Arise, O Compatriots” was one of my favourite moments as a Nigerian.
During my formative years, I recall reciting the National Anthem (“Nigeria, We Hail Thee”) at school assemblies until it was modified in 1978. Although I didn’t fully comprehend its meaning or intent at the time, the composition and wordings resonated with me in unanticipated ways. In 1978, Nigeria chose “Arise, O Compatriots” as its new national song, and society continued onwards.
The reintroduction of the ancient hymn “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” on May 29, 2024, after President Bola Tinubu signed into law a motion passed by the National Assembly was a joyful déjà vu. I’ve sung the song to myself several times, declaring its words as a prayer for Nigeria long before it was readopted.
With enthusiasm, I looked up the Nigerian Independence Day anthem.
Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land,
Though tribes and tongues 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 honoured, 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 Nigerians may be blessed.
According to Wikipedia’s definition, the National Anthem serves as a reminder of the country’s rich heritage and splendour, as well as an expression of its people’s patriotism and pride.
Here is my perspective summarising Nigeria’s National Anthem.
• History: “Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land” highlights Nigeria’s rich historical heritage, from before colonial times with powerful empires such as the Benin Kingdom, Oyo Empire and Kanem-Bornu Empire, to the era of colonisation under British administration. It represents our struggle for self-determination, which resulted in the emergence of an independent country free of colonialism.
• Culture: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” emphasises Nigeria’s own cultural identity, whereby diversity is valued. Nigeria has about 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and customs. The anthem’s reference to “tribes and tongues” refers to our diverse society, wherein the integration of many cultures strengthens our country’s social framework.
• Religion: “O God of all creation, grant this our one request” means that Nigeria is an extremely religious nation, with Islam, Christianity, and traditional African religions all significantly contributing to the country’s identity. Nigeria’s vibrant spiritual base is recognised in the anthem, which acknowledges God as the Creator. The influence of religion is apparent in every aspect of Nigerian life, including politics and daily interactions. The anthem’s appeal to divine guidance demonstrates the unifying power of religious faith among Nigerians, despite the country’s division into Muslim-majority North, Christian-majority South, and indigenous beliefs. This encourages Nigerians to seek divine support in our collective national journey, as the anthem carefully portrays religion as one of our binding forces.
• Patriotism: “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed” is the section in which the anthem expresses our aspiration for a society that values freedom, justice, and equal opportunity for every citizen. This is a call to action for justice, equality, and an end to all injustices.
• Unity and National Identity: “And so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.” Despite our struggles, our national identity is anchored in our desire for togetherness and growth. The National Anthem asks for unity among our people and echoes the idea of Nigeria as a light of hope and promise in Africa. Our National Anthem encapsulates the optimism and faith in Nigeria’s future, which can be translated into national prosperity through our abundant natural resources, human capital, and resilience. The vision of unity is indicative of our nation’s ongoing efforts to achieve progress and unity in the face of economic, political, and ethnic challenges.
The complex nature of Nigeria as a country, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and values, is exemplified by the now-former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey.” The people of Nigeria remain steadfast in their patriotism and optimism for a brighter future. It serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s history has been influenced by hard efforts for unity, sovereignty, and growth. It recognises the historical sacrifices made by our freedom struggle leaders, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo, who advocated for Nigeria’s Independence and growth. It also demonstrates Nigerians’ deeply religious character, as we seek divine guidance in our daily affairs and national aspirations.
Readopting the anthem “Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land” demonstrates Nigerians’ deep bond with their country. The themes of togetherness, peace, fraternity, and service, with a prayerful ending, are critical components of reforming values and culture among people in our social, economic, and political environments. The concluding spiritual anthem represented the many religious beliefs of Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity. Nigeria is a religiously diverse country, as seen by the anthem’s respectful tone towards all Nigerians. It expresses the concept of unity in variety, with the notion that, despite variations in ethnicity, language, and culture, we Nigerians value our nation and stand together in brotherhood.
Despite the challenges presented by our complex diversity, we are filled with hope for unity and progress. Each ethnic group—whether it is the Yoruba’s rich cultural heritage, the Igbo’s artistry, the Hausa-Fulani’s agricultural roots, or the traditions of the minority groups—adds to the fabric of Nigerian culture. In this time of economic crisis and social instability, our anthem’s words, “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,” convey a strong sense of belief in justice and equality, a cry for fairness and inclusion that is much needed in Nigeria today.
As a religiously diverse nation, declaring our spiritual National Anthem on each day would assist in fostering hope for prosperity, peace, and unity in Nigeria, a virtue valued at this time of economic hardship and insecurity. The richness of our diversity is depicted through the lens of our national song “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” as does our unified yearning for national unity and prosperity. Our national song celebrates our dynamic history, deep cultural roots, religious variety, and unwavering patriotism of our people. We value our diversity while calling for unity, justice, and a future in which Nigeria flourishes on its strengths to build a peaceful and prosperous nation for everyone.
As we commemorate Nigeria’s 64th year of Independence, citizen reorientation and positive engagement are critical in our efforts to achieve our potential as a great and powerful country in the world. We must work together in unity and peace to make Nigeria’s future brighter for all citizens and future generations.
Happy Independence to All Nigerians
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
4th October, 2024.
C.E.
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