The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem.
The bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, was taken through the first, second and third reading on Thursday amid opposition from somelawmakers.
The lyrics of the old National Anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams, composed by Frances Berda and sung between 1960 and 1978 were:
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 And this we count as gain To pass unto 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.
The current national anthem was adopted in 1978 during the military regime ofOlusegun Obasanjo.
It was written by John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu, five winners of a competition, and composed by Benedict Odiase.
The current national anthem is:
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Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey To serve our Fatherland With love and strength and faith The labour of our heroes past Shall never be in vain, To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom, Peace and unity. Oh God of all creation, Direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace And justice shall reign.
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