"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is the former national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978. Nigeria's present anthem, "Arise, O Compatriots," was adopted in 1978, replacing "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was adopted as Nigeria's first national anthem on October 1, 1960. The anthem's lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence. Frances Berda composed the music for "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."

The second national anthem, "Arise, O Compatriots," replaced "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" in 1978.

When Nigeria, We Hail Thee was first announced, the new national anthem faced criticism for a number of reasons. The Daily Service, a newspaper run by the Yoruba organisation Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà, started a rebellious campaign against the national anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition.

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" (1960-1978)

Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour'd,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to 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.

"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.

Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom with
Peace and unity.


Oh God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the 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.

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria,_We_Hail_Thee

Cc Lalasticlala Mynd44

It was necessary the old anthem has the tress of colonialism with as it was written by a foreigner.

The present anthem has erase the tress of colonialism.

eshietIntrepid:
It was necessary the old anthem has the tress of colonialism with as it was written by a foreigner.

The present anthem has erase the tress of colonialism.

I wished Nigerians also put aside hate, religious intolerance and tribalism just as they put aside the so called trees of colonialism

Who cares about any of the two?