Our National Anthem & Pledge:our Pride And Strength

 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 

     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.

     Oh God of creation,
     Direct our noble cause
     Guide our leaders right
     Help our youths 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.



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.



BRIEF ANTHEM HISTORY:

Before Nigeria's independence, the British National anthem was used at festivals and official ceremonies, and not surprisingly, it prayed for the British Monarch. Shortly before independence, a new anthem, written by two British ladies, was adopted as the new anthem. This was then again changed in 1978 to the above. The National Publicity Committee organized a competition for a new national anthem. The final words (listed above) were formed from the entries of the best five picks: John A Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B A Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe. The music was composed by Nigerian Police Band, headed by Ben Odiase

VISIT www.motherlandnigeria.com/patriotic. to listen to them.
Are we not proud of the contents.views and comments are welcome.

compared to the old one, this is just balderdash;

OLD, RELIABLE ANTHEM

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

2. Our flag shall be our symbol, that truth and justice reigns    
    In peace or battle honoured, and this we count as gain
    To hand on to our children, a banner without stain

3. Oh 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 will be blessed