In a significant move marking his first year in office, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu signed a bill reinstating the nation’s former national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”
The decision follows a legislative process initiated by the House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbare, was passed by the House last Tuesday.
The proposal began its journey with a second reading on May 23. After thorough deliberations by the committee, it was approved and passed during its third reading.
This legislative action signifies a major change in Nigeria’s national symbols. The bill will now proceed to the Senate for concurrence before it becomes fully enacted into law.
Below is the full anthem:
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.
