Former National anthem of ![]() | |
Lyrics | John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe, 1978 |
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Music | Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiasse, 1990 |
Adopted | 1978 |
Relinquished | 29 May 2024 |
Succeeded by | Nigeria, We Hail Thee |
Audio sample | |
Arise, O Compatriots |
Arise, O Compatriots was the second national anthem of Nigeria, used from 1 October 1978 until 2024 after Nigeria, We Hail Thee was relinquished. On 29 May 2024, "Arise, O Compatriots" was officially relinquished followed by the readoption of the 1st national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" used from 1960 until 1978 [1]
The anthem was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee". [2]
The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict P. Odiase (1934–2013). The Nigerian national anthem lyrics were created by five people: P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan and B.A. Ogunnaike.
On 29 May 2024, "Arise, O Compatriots" was officially relinquished following a bill passed by the National Assembly and subsequently signed into law by president Bola Tinubu. It was replaced by "Nigeria, We Hail Thee", Nigeria’s first national anthem. [3] [1]
Although the anthem has two verses, usually only the first is sung. On some occasions, the second verse is recited as "The National Prayer".
English original [4] | Hausa translation | Igbo translation |
---|---|---|
I | I | I |
Yoruba translation [5] | Fulani translation | Tyap translation |
---|---|---|
I | I | I |
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. [6]
English original | Hausa translation | Yoruba translation | Tyap translation |
---|---|---|---|
I pledge to Nigeria, my country | Na yi wa Najeriya alƙawarin ƙasata | Mo ṣeleri fun Nàìjíríà orilẹ-ede mi | N da̱p a̱nu ma̱ng Naijeriya, a̱byin nung ka. |
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The national symbols of Nigeria represent the country's identity, heritage, and values, reflecting its cultural diversity and historical journey. These symbols, which include the national flag, coat of arms, anthem, and pledge, as well as the national flower, animal, and currency, are important in fostering national pride and unity among Nigerians. The Nigerian flag, designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, features three vertical stripes of green and white, symbolizing agriculture and peace, respectively. The coat of arms, adopted in 1960, includes a black shield with a wavy white pall, symbolizing the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers, supported by two white horses representing dignity. Above the shield is an eagle, symbolizing strength, and beneath it is Nigeria's national motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress". The national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," first adopted in 1960, relinquished in 1978, and then re-adopted in 2024, calls upon Nigerians stand in brotherhood and serve their motherland. The national pledge, introduced in 1976, serves as a solemn oath of allegiance and commitment to Nigeria's unity and development. The national flower, Costus spectabilis, symbolizes beauty and prosperity, while the national animal, the eagle, reflects the country's strength and resilience. The Naira, Nigeria's national currency, introduced in 1973, is a symbol of the country's economic sovereignty and progress. Through these symbols, Nigeria's government and its people express their collective pride, uphold their cultural values, and reinforce their commitment to national development and cohesion The evolution and significance of these symbols continue to be celebrated and upheld in various ceremonies and educational initiatives across the country.