Nigeria, We Hail Thee: The Nigerian First National Anthem. This anthem was used from independence in 1960 until 1978. Nigeria’s present anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was adopted in 1978, replacing “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
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.”
Lyrics | Lillian Jean Williams, 1959 |
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Music | Frances Berda, 1959 |
Adopted | October 1, 1960 |
Relinquished | 1978 |
Lyrics
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes 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.