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Nigerian National Anthems & Pledge

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Every country has a national anthem, and so does Nigeria. In this guide, you’ll discover the present and old Nigerian national anthems and national pledge. In addition, you’ll discover who wrote the Nigerian national anthem and pledge.

The nation’s first anthem — Nigeria, we hail thee — was adopted on 1 October 1960, on the day of Independence.

The lyrics of the song were written by a British expatriate living in Nigeria at the time of independence.

However, the fact that such a notable national symbol was put together by a foreigner attracted widespread criticism.

As a result, a panel was set up to review and vote against or in support of a new anthem.

The vote supported the scrapping of ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’, thereby resulting in the introduction of the present-day anthem in 1979.

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Present Nigerian National Anthem

1st Stanza

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.

2nd Stanza

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 present Nigerian national anthem was written by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe, 1978. And composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiasse, 1978.

Old Nigerian 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

Written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda.

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 national pledge was written by Professor (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adedoyin in 1976.

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Present-day Nigerian National Anthem

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