Did you know that a rebellious campaign was initiated against the reinstituted anthem "Nigeria, we hail thee"? Check it out!!

 
Nigeria's national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," has recently returned to the center stage after serving as the anthem from independence in 1960 until 1978. 

Let's delve into some facts about the anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."

1. "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" served as Nigeria's national anthem from its independence in 1960 until 1978. 

2. The lyrics were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expat residing in Nigeria during independence.

3. Frances Berda composed the music for the anthem.

4. On May 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed a bill reinstating "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" as the national anthem.

5. The anthem's reinstatement signifies a return to its pre-1978 status.

6. The lyrics express themes of patriotism, unity, and national pride.

7. Interestingly, the anthem is sung in English, a reflection of Nigeria's colonial past.

8. There have been discussions about translating the anthem into major Nigerian languages. 

9. "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is a relatively short anthem, consisting of three stanzas.

10. Each stanza emphasizes Nigeria's sovereignty, its promise as a nation, and its potential for greatness. 

11. "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" has been featured in numerous Nigerian films and documentaries.

12. The return of "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" has sparked debates and discussions about national identity.

13. Though initially chosen, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" faced criticism for its non-Nigerian composer. This played a role in its replacement in 1978.

14. The second national anthem, "Arise, O Compatriots," replaced "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" in 1978. The lyrics were created by five Nigerians: P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan and B.A. Ogunnaike.

15. On May 23, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill to revert from the current anthem to Nigeria, We Hail Thee. This bill was signed into law on May 29, 2024. 

16. When "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was first announced, the new national anthem faced criticism for a number of reasons. The Daily Service, a newspaper run by the Yoruba organisation Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà, started a rebellious campaign against the national anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition. 

"The anthem's reinstatement in 2024 sparked conversations about national identity. While some debate the choice, many see it as a return to a unifying symbol.

The only issue for me now is how am I going to unlearn an anthem I have known for over a decade and was beautifully written with nostalgic scenes of renditions with passion, pump and aplomb and begin to learn this drab colonial tune?? 

Well, I guess we don't have a choice now, do we?? I can teach you for free though, you'll just pay transportation fee, with a cost of ₦500k to come to your house. Fuel don cost and Uber is not smiling!! 😂😂😂😂