The Senate has followed the House of Representatives in passing a bill to bring back Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This bill aims to replace the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has been in use since 1978.
The Senate passed the bill after considering a report presented by Senator Mohammed Monguno, chair of the judiciary committee.
The report emphasized the importance of the old anthem as a representation of Nigeria’s history, culture, and people.
“The parliament considers this bill important and the National Anthem is a representation of the country’s history, culture, and people,” Monguno said during his presentation. He added, “The proposed bill is apt, timely, and important.”
Last week, the Senate passed the bill for its first and second readings and sent it to the judiciary committee for further review. After considering and approving the committee’s report, the Senate passed the bill for a third reading.
The House of Representatives had already passed the bill for a third reading last week, showing strong support for the reintroduction of the old anthem in both legislative chambers.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was Nigeria’s first national anthem, adopted on October 1, 1960, but it was replaced in 1978 by the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.
