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NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE The Stirring Saga of our National Anthem(s): Historical Perspective or Voice of a New Dawn? by Otega Ogra, FCIM

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Beyond Optics: Setting the Record Straight on Nigeria’s TICAD Booth

NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE

The Stirring Saga of our National Anthem(s): Historical Perspective or Voice of a New Dawn?

by Otega Ogra, FCIM

1. The year was 1959. As the clock ticked towards 1960, Nigeria stood on the precipice of a monumental shift—its emancipation from British colonial rule. This was a time when our nation was more a line item in a colonial ledger than a free state. The country, once treated less as a nation and more as a commodity in an unholy alliance with the infamous Royal Niger Company, was gearing up to redefine its identity. Our founding fathers had waged a long, arduous struggle not just against colonial domination but also against the indignity of having to pledge allegiance in compulsory renditions to a distant monarch with the anthem, “God Save the King.”
2. To solidify this newfound autonomy, a call was issued, inviting both Nigerians and international participants to pen a national anthem that would encapsulate the vision of the impending free and independent Nigeria. The call for entries reproduced below, was a clarion call to articulate the collective aspirations and spirit of diversity of our soon-to-be sovereign nation:
“COMPETITION FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM”
“The National Planning Committee for Independence is thrilled to announce a competition to select a National Anthem to commemorate the Federation of Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
A prize of $280.00 will be awarded for a National Anthem that resonates with the spirit of a free Nigeria, standing proud among the nations of the world. We invite submissions of no more than three verses, each comprising six lines in English. This lyrical representation should capture the essence of our nation (the setting to music will be announced later).
Please send your entries by March 31, 1959, to: Independence Celebrations Officer, c/o Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lagos.”
3. This call for entries drew a staggering response of over 1,000 entries, culminating in the selection of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as Nigeria’s inaugural anthem, penned by a British expatriate living in Nigeria, Lillian Jean Williams, with music by Frances Berda. As the anthem echoed through the celebrations on October 1, 1960, it marked a fitting tribute to the aspirations of our nation and reflected the broad diversity of the various nations that made up the New Nigeria. Unity was its key message.
4. However, the years that followed brought with them trials that tested the nation’s resolve: a military coup in 1966, a subsequent civil war, and the onset of an oil boom that reshaped the economic landscape. By the late 1970s, amid the throes of change and under the leadership of then former dictator and military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo (who was part of the military coup that brought Gen Murtala Mohammed into power before his demise in a failed coup that saw Obasanjo become head of state), a new anthem was sought to reflect what they believed was a maturing nation’s identity. This led to another anthem competition, to reflect the nationalistic fervor of the time, resulting in “Arise, O Compatriots,” adopted in 1978 and penned by a quintet of Nigerian writers – John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe. The music was created by the Nigerian Police Band directed by B. E. Odiasse.
5. Years of political tumult continued until Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, with reformed President Obasanjo (now a civilian) at the helm. The turn of the millennium saw calls from across the country for restructuring, a topic that Obasanjo largely sidestepped, focusing instead on other reforms. This decision to ignore those calls would plague him all through his presidency.
6. It wasn’t until 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan that a National confab was convened, bringing together 492 Nigerians to a National Conference inaugurated on March 17, 2014 which was somewhat representative. I say somewhat because, some strongly believe President Jonathan only decided to convene the national confab to earn sympathy points for his then re-election bid which he still lost to President Buhari in 2015.
7. During this conference with retired Chief Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi as Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as Vice Chair and  Dr Valerie Azinge as Secretary, one poignant resolution from this conference amongst others was to revert to the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” seen as a true reflection of Nigeria’s foundational values. According to a report by Premium Times @premiumtimesNG, “The conference resolved for Nigeria to abandon its anthem and return to the old ‘Nigeria we hail thee’ anthem”. Details of the report can be found on the National Repository Site. Direct Link to document here: https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/items/eb70724c-6da2-447e-bf51-e3189d348d07
8. Page 295, National Conference Report, text reproduced below:
“11 – NATIONAL ANTHEM”
“Conference decided that:
Nigeria should revert to her old National Anthem which embodies unity, peace and prosperity as follows:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land, Though tribe 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 honoured, 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.”
NOTE: some of the 2014 national conference outcomes have already been passed into law by the National Assembly since 2014 and have been part of the various constitution review processes since then.
9. This idea recently gained legislative traction, and as of May 29, 2024, the switch back was officially enacted—25 years post the establishment of uninterrupted civilian governance.
10. I have seen many questions and whilst I may not have all the answers, I personally believe in the power of an anthem to engender national pride and values.
11. Reflecting on this issue, I am also of the personal opinion that  ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ anthem speaks to our diversity and urgent need for unity. Not that Arise O compatriots doesn’t, but given the challenges we face as a ‘federating unit’ the first Nigerian anthem speaks more to me. There is a unique power of a national anthem in fostering a sense of pride and unity!
12. As a Senior Aide in President Bola Tinubu’s office, I daily witness his commitment to these national ideals firsthand. President Tinubu, is no doubt a figure synonymous with dedication to national unity and progress — and he continues to inspire me. Some have shared old videos of Mr President, President Bola Tinubu speaking about his preference for ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’. This is what I have to say: President Tinubu has never hidden his vision of seeing a more united Nigeria. His stance on restructuring, devolution of powers to fedeeating units and non-interference are clear. President Tinubu remains someone who doesn’t hide from his beliefs in the name of politics – a case of He says what he does, and does what he says! This is something that continues to endear me to him – first in his stint as governor, where I was a beneficiary of his free SSCE exams as a bright student of the Lagos state-owned Lagos State Model College, Kankon and years after when I watched in close proximity, his organisation of the 2011 ACN Nuhu Ribadu/Fola Adeola Presidential ticket.  Fast forward to a couple of years ago, I worked closely with him leading to his declaration to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, he is our President.
IN SUMMARY: President Bola Tinubu will always  put country first – even over himself. I have seen it in private over the years. I still see it daily as a senior aide in his office.
13. Nigeria belongs to us all regardless of tribe, religion, or any demographic grouping – “/Though Tribe and Tongue may differ, In Brotherhood We Stand/”
May God grant us a “Nigeria that is blessed”
#iStandWithNigeria #IstandWithTinubu.
Amen.
Otega Ogra is a Senior Aide to President Bola Tinubu. He oversees the Presidential Office of Digital Communications and New Media Strategy
Social ID: @otegaogra #TheTiger
FUN FACT:  some countries have their anthems written and/or composed by non-nationals. Bahrain, Egypt, Australia, Luxembourg South Africa, USA, make the list
https://x.com/otegaogra/status/1795996639812841939?s=46&t=-WT1A6V3jj52Bil8fk9JSg
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE 

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19 hours ago

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January 31, 2026

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NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE 

 

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.

 

This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.

 

The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.

 

According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.

 

Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.

 

According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.

 

She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.

 

While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.

 

She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

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Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

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19 hours ago

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January 31, 2026

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Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.

He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.

According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.

Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.

He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.

Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

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1 day ago

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January 30, 2026

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

 

In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.

In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.

The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.

In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.

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