The Nigerian National anthem, like any country’s anthem, for all intents and purposes is meant to hold a special place in the hearts of its citizens, symbolizing unity and national pride. But this does not seem to be the case in our country for many years since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The country has witnessed many coups and counter coup and fought a very bitter civil war in which millions of Nigerians were killed, from 1967-1970.

Following the collapse of the first republic in 1966, the military took over the country’s government, through a series of coup d’etat. Then in 1975, after the overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon, by the Murtala Mohammed/ Olusegun Obasanjo duo, Obasanjo took over after the assassination of Murtala Mohammed in 1976. However, the General Olusegun Obasanjo military government decided to change Nigeria’s national anthem in 1978 without consulting the people. This decision has sparked a desire within me and certainly among many other Nigerians, particularly those born between the 1940s and 1970s to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” This anthem carries historical, cultural, and prayerful significance that resonates deeply with the citizens.

The change of the National anthem has left those of us born in that generation of baby boomers who grew up singing the national anthem in schools and homes, feeling disconnected and disheartened. And from a personal point, the music man in me feels the void of that melodious anthem since the change. The new anthem, though well-intentioned, lacks the emotional resonance that the old anthem held. “Nigeria We Hail Thee” evokes a sense of pride, hope, and loyalty towards the nation. By reinstating the old anthem, we can reignite the patriotic spirit within the citizens and restore our emotional connection to the country.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the words and verses of the old anthem, appreciating the prayers and blessings it embodies. The line “to hand unto our children, a banner without stain” reminds us of the responsibility we have as parents to pass on a legacy free from corruption, crime, and other social ills. We must consider the consequences of our actions and strive to create a better future for our children and in effect, Nigeria.

Another verse of the old anthem that holds solemnity is “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.” Sadly, since the change in the anthem, Nigeria has struggled to find peace and has been insensitive to the hunger, poverty, unemployment and the plight of the oppressed and down trodden. Reinstating the old anthem may serve as a reminder of the values we should uphold as a nation.

The old anthem encapsulates the diverse cultural heritage of Nigeria. It celebrates the country’s ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity. This message is crucial in a nation as diverse as Nigeria, as it promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of belonging among all citizens. By reinstating the old anthem, we can reinforce the values of cultural acceptance and national unity.

The reasons given for changing the anthem are not convincing. The argument that the word “tribe” is offensive is unfounded, as it simply refers to a community united by common customs and traditions. Additionally, dismissing the old anthem because it was written by a British expatriate is shortsighted. We should not discard our history and heritage simply to distance ourselves from our colonial past.

Instead of finding faults with the old anthem, subsequent governments post independence should have faced the challenges of their time and the development of the country head-on. The government should have prioritized on a long term basis, the funding of education, healthcare, infrastructure, social welfare, diversification of the source of national revenue, as well as address issues of insecurity and corruption. The Tinubu administration must now take urgent actions reining in the many militia groups in a number of states in the country, non-state actors in the security sector and empower our military, police, and paramilitary forces through training and incentives to secure the lives and property of citizens, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The change in the Nigerian National anthem without constitutional considerations or the people’s mandate has had a profound impact on the country. Reinstating the old anthem is crucial to reconnecting with our history, celebrating our cultural diversity, and reigniting the patriotic spirit within our citizens. It is now time for the National Assembly to seriously consider this plea, and make wide consultations, put it up for discussions in the course of the Senate and House proceedings, with a view to restoring the old anthem, as it has the power to psychologically bring Nigeria back to its former glory. While government does its best to alleviate the excruciating suffering currently facing Nigerian, albeit, with economic policies aimed at enduring prosperity. The removal of the fuel subsidies and harmonization of the foreign exchange rates are two positive redemptive steps taken so far by the Tinubu government but quick palliatives must follow as soon as possible to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians.
We hope that by the time the administration finally settles down to business, we may all be able to sing: Nigeria we Hail Thee.

NB: Sonny Iroche is 2022-2023 Senior Academic Visitor at the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford.