In a historic moment for the country, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ was on Wednesday, at a Joint Session of the National Assembly, sung for the first time, since its re-adoption as the official National Anthem.
This monumental event which had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance, follows the passage of the bill by the House of Representatives and Senate respectively, and subsequent assent by the President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The legislation, which successfully revived ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ as the Nigeria National Anthem, reflects the collective desire of Nigerians to honour and preserve the country’s rich heritage. Thus, the National Assembly’s support for the bill underscores the deep sense of national pride and unity.
As contained in the new Act, the second stanza of the former National Anthem ‘Oh God of Creation’ shall henceforth be rendered as the National Prayer at all State Functions, according to a statement jointly signed by the Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Spokesman and House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
Speaking on the momentous occasion, Chairman of the National Assembly and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said, “Today, we witness a significant chapter in our nation’s history. The revival of ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ symbolises our enduring commitment to our national identity and heritage. This anthem, with its profound lyrics and stirring melody, will continue to inspire and unite Nigerians across generations.”
On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, remarked, “This event is a testament to our shared values and aspirations as a nation. ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ represents our unity, strength, and determination to build a better future. Let this anthem remind us of our collective responsibility to uphold the ideals of our nation.”
In his remarks, President Tinubu, a Senator in the 3rd National Assembly, paid tribute to the parliament, saying, “This institution represents our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging. Without this House, probably I wouldn’t find a path to the Presidency. I started from here. And that is why I am giving that respect to you today.”
He further appealed to the National Assembly, invoking a sense of nationalism, saying, “Please continue to collaborate, to build Nigeria. We have no other nation. No personality will help us unless we do it ourselves. No matter the amount of foreign aid coming from other countries, they take care of themselves first. Let us continue to work together to build our nation, not only for ourselves, but for nations yet unborn.”
The Joint Sitting of the National Assembly was marked by a sense of patriotism and renewed hope, as legislators and dignitaries joined in the historic rendition of the anthem. An event that not only commemorates the past, but also sets the tone for a united and progressive Nigeria.
The National Assembly remains committed to enacting legislation that reflects the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people. The revival of ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ is a further testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of the Nigerian people.
The National Anthem; ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ was first adopted as a national symbol, on October 1, 1960 (Nigeria’s Independence Day). It was thus in use, until its replacement by the ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ Anthem, at the National Independence Day Celebration on October 1, 1978.
