At the tune of ‘Arise o compatriots’ many Nigerians sing to the tune of patriotism. However, many do not know the anthem handed to the country at independence.
"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is the former national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978. The anthem written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate was adopted as Nigeria's first national anthem on October 1, 1960.
See lyrics of the anthem below:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe 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.
"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is the former national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978. The anthem written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate was adopted as Nigeria's first national anthem on October 1, 1960.
See lyrics of the anthem below:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe 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.
