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Sponsored by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, the bill was passed despite opposition from some lawmakers. It was debated for a second reading and quickly rushed through a third reading amid a rowdy session.
Similarly, the Nigerian Senate held an executive session on Thursday to deliberate on changing the national anthem. Although the reason for the move has not been made public, the change is already attracting criticism from concerned Nigerians.
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The old anthem was used from independence in 1960 until 1978, when the present anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was adopted.
Below is the full anthem:
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve,
Our sovereign Motherland.
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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.
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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.
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