Nigerian Old and New Anthem

NIGERIA'S OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM [Adopted 1960]

Nigeria, We Hail Thee!

This anthem was adopted as our official national anthem from October 1, 1960 until 1978 ,when Nigeria obtained its independence from Great Britain. Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate that lived in Nigeria at the time, wrote the words and the music was composed by one Frances Berda.(I have google this guy's identity but no significant lead)

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

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle honour
And this we count as gain
To pass unto 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

NIGERIA'S NATIONAL ANTHEM [Adopted 1978]

Arise, O compatriots!
***This was product of Obasanjo,The anthem was adopted during his regime at his prompting,in the mid 70's when he was the military head of state.

The anthem is one whose words are the amalgamation of the work of five winning contestants, John A. Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu in a national competition held for the purpose. Benedict Odiase, then the Director of Music Nigeria Police Band, composed the music.

Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour 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 youth 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.

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Lyrics
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Sheet Music
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It sounds interesting.But I think I prefer the Old one.

Despite the wordings and the writers being Njgerians, in my heart of hearts I feel a sense of pride in being a Nigerian with the old anthem much more than I do with the new one.

Any time I read that (the old anthem),I am taking aback.I am not suprise that the new anthem which is less weightier and less thoughtful was a product of failed and Un thorough leaders.