The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released the standardised version of the reintroduced national anthem.
Originally composed by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, the national anthem was in use by the country between 1960 and 1978. However, on May 29, President Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill to revert to the old national anthem, despite criticism from some Nigerians who deemed the move a misplaced priority.
After its reintroduction, various versions of the national anthem emerged across the country. However, the NOA promised Nigerians it would issue a standardised version of the anthem after consulting with stakeholders.
During the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed the need for uniformity in the anthem’s lyrics.
He stated, “Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President.”
In the standardised version, only one word was changed. The word “and” in line five of the first stanza was corrected to “are,” making the official line read: “Nigerians all are proud to serve.”
Issa-Onilu clarified, “We call the attention of Nigerians to line three of the first stanza, which reads: Though tribes and tongues may differ. Note that the words ‘tribes’ and ‘tongues’ are in plural. We want you to also note that line five of the first stanza reads: Nigerians all, are proud to serve. The words ‘are ‘,’ not ‘and,’ is correct.”
National Anthem
Stanza 1
Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Stanza 2
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.
Stanza 3
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.
