THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

 The Nigerian National Anthem!! (Lyrics)

The words are as follows.

     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.

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.