Looking to download Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee“? This anthem, which served as Nigeria’s national anthem from 1960 to 1978, was recently reinstated by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”
This decision has sparked both celebration and controversy, as it evokes nostalgia for many Nigerians while raising questions about the relevance of a colonial-era anthem today.
You can find the full lyrics and download the MP3 version of the song below.
Download MP3: Click here to download Nigeria We Hail Thee
Duration: [1:28 minutes]File Size: [2.6 MB]
Nigeria We Hail Thee: National Anthem Lyrics
“Nigeria We Hail Thee” is a song that resonates with the hearts of many Nigerians. It symbolizes national unity and pride. The anthem served as the national anthem of Nigeria from independence in 1960 until 1978 and has recently been readopted.
Full Lyrics of Nigeria We Hail Thee
Stanza 1:
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.
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.
Quick Facts About “Nigeria We Hail Thee”
- Original Adoption: October 1, 1960
- Reintroduced: May 29, 2024
- Composer: Frances Benda
- Lyricist: Lillian Jean Williams
- Historical Significance: Symbol of national unity post-independence
History of Nigeria We Hail Thee
Originally composed by Frances Benda, with lyrics by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams “Nigeria We Hail Thee” was a significant element of Nigeria’s national identity upon its independence from British colonial rule.
The anthem was adopted in 1960 as a unifying call for all Nigerians. In 1978, it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots,” a new anthem created by a team of five Nigerians to better reflect the evolving spirit of the country.
The return of “Nigeria We Hail Thee” in 2024 was part of a legislative move supported by Nigeria’s National Assembly. The motivation behind this reintroduction, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was to recapture the sense of national unity that the anthem embodied during its initial useDespite criticism from some who viewed the anthem as a remnant of colonialism, the government positioned it as a part of a broader identity project aimed at strengthening national values.
FAQs About Nigeria We Hail Thee
What is Nigeria’s current national anthem?
The current national anthem of Nigeria is “Nigeria We Hail Thee” which was recently reintroduced in 2024.
Can I download the Nigeria We Hail Thee MP3?
Yes, the MP3 version of the anthem is available for download here.
