Nigeria may return to old National Anthem:  “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

Nigeria is likely to soon return to the old national anthem of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the House of Representatives has deliberated and passed what is called “National Anthem Bill.”

The House, today, May 23, passed the bill seeking to alter the National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The bill, which was sponsored by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, sought to revert the Nigeria National Anthem from “Arise O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” the previous anthem used during the post-independence period from 1960 to 1978.

Titled: “A Bill for an Act to provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1470),” the bill among other provisions, stipulates that the second stanza of the “Arise O Compatriots” anthem shall be formally recognised as the national prayer to be recited at all state functions.

The bill makes it mandatory for all Primary and Secondary Schools to incorporate the new National Anthem as part of civic education and organise pupils and students to learn it.

The bill underscores the imperative of comprehensive civic education to engender a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication to the principles espoused by the nation’s founding fathers.

This, development, according to a statement by the Spokesman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi Jr. occurred during the plenary session of the House, which was presided over by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker.

The statement said that after the deliberations, the bill passed through its first, second and third readings in the House.