Nigerian National Anthem: English Translation, Original Lyrics And History

What Is The Nigerian National Anthem: English Translation, Original Lyrics And History. Photo: Getty Images

"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in the late 1970s and is the country's second ever national anthem.

There was a contest to select a new national anthem. These lyrics were selected from the top five submissions rather than from a single set. With only two lyrics, Nigeria's national song is brief and sweet. Still, the first verse is the only one usually performed at parties and other gatherings. The first verse focuses on the present and past generations and what can be done to keep the nation at peace; the second verse looks to the future and what must be done to keep the nation at peace.

Here are the anthem’s history, its original lyrics, English translation.

History of the Nigerian National Anthem

It was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".

The song's lyrics are a compilation of the top five entries from a national contest. Music to accompany the lyrics was composed by the Nigerian Police Band and conducted by Benedict P. Odiase (1934–2013). In most cases, only the first verse is performed even if there are two total. The second verse is sometimes chanted as "The National Prayer" in formal settings. P.O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme tim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike are just a few of the individuals who contributed to the composition of the lyrics for the Nigerian national anthem.

The National Anthem

Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey

To serve our fatherland

With love and strength and faith

The labor 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 creation, direct our noble cause

Guide our leaders right

Help our youth and 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.

The previous national anthem, "Nigeria, We Praise Thee," was replaced by the present national anthem in 1978. P.O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme tim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike's five winning entries were combined to form the final text. The Nigerian Police Band, led by Benedict E. Odiase, set the words to music.

The National Pledge

I pledge to Nigeria, my country

To be faithful, loyal, and honest

To serve Nigeria with all my strength

To defend her unity

And uphold her honor and glory

So help me God.

The Nigerian pledge of allegiance is recited immediately after the playing of the Nigerian national anthem. It was written by Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in 1976.

The Old National 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

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

Nigeria, We Hail Thee was adopted as Nigeria's national anthem on Independence Day October 1, 1960. The lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence. Frances Berda composed the music for "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."

Lyric videos of the Nigerian National Anthem

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