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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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Dishonouring Fathers Pollutes Your Source and Limits Destiny — Dr. Chris Okafor

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Dishonouring Fathers Pollutes Your Source and Limits Destiny — Dr. Chris Okafor

“A father’s blessing is tied to your breakthrough and can change life’s patterns.”

Dishonouring one’s father—whether biological or spiritual—can disrupt the source of a person’s blessings and hinder progress in life. According to the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christopher Okafor, honouring one’s father is a spiritual principle that preserves destiny and unlocks divine favour.

Dr. Okafor made this statement during the Sunday Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service held on March 15, 2026, at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

The Power of a Father’s Blessing

In his teaching, the cleric described a father as a spiritual source.
According to him, when individuals respect and honour their source, they create a pathway for blessings, stability, and the fulfillment of their inheritance in life.

“One of the most dangerous practices for a believer is dishonouring a father,” he said.

“When the source is honoured, life flows well and destiny is preserved.”

He warned that when a father releases a negative declaration, it can become difficult for a person to experience lasting success, regardless of their level of hard work or skill.

“You may be hardworking,” he noted, “but if the source is polluted, progress can become difficult.”
Patterns Passed Through Families
Continuing his sermon in the series “Patterns – Part 2,” Dr. Okafor explained that many individuals struggle with recurring challenges within their families.

He suggested that hostility, blackmail, or disrespect toward authority figures may sometimes reflect deeper unresolved patterns within family lineages.

According to him, such patterns can affect a person’s progress until they are consciously addressed.

Breaking Negative Patterns

The preacher emphasized that the blessing of a father can interrupt negative family cycles.

Regardless of the patterns affecting a family, he said, a sincere blessing from a father figure has the spiritual authority to shift circumstances and open new paths for success.

He further advised believers to live responsibly, follow divine instructions, and remain prayerful.
“When you honour your fathers and walk in obedience,” he said, “God releases guidance and answers prayers speedily.”

Service Announcement

Meanwhile, Grace Nation Worldwide has announced that its annual flagship family liberation conference, “Harvest of Babies 2026,” will hold in the last week of March at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

According to church officials, the conference is designed for couples and individuals trusting God for the fruit of the womb. The event is expected to attract participants from different parts of the world seeking spiritual support and prayer for miracle children.

Dr. Okafor encouraged expectant parents and families believing for children to participate in the prophetic gathering, expressing faith that God will bring transformation and testimonies to many lives.

 

Dishonouring Fathers Pollutes Your Source and Limits Destiny — Dr. Chris Okafor

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ADC Unveils Opposition Strategy as Obi, Atiku, Amaechi Move to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

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ADC Unveils Opposition Strategy as Obi, Atiku, Amaechi Move to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

“Opposition heavyweights explore coalition strategy under the African Democratic Congress as political analysts debate whether a united front can realistically challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”

Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi are working together under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a coordinated political effort aimed at defeating Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, according to party insiders who revealed the strategy in Abuja in March 2026.

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The ADC leadership disclosed that the three prominent political figures (each of whom commands significant national followership) are currently holding consultations, building a broad opposition coalition, and harmonising political structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The objective, according to the party, is to create a unified opposition front capable of challenging the electoral dominance of the APC, which has controlled Nigeria’s presidency since 2015.

Party officials said the collaboration represents a deliberate attempt to replicate the successful coalition strategy that defeated the then-ruling party in 2015, when several opposition blocs merged to form the APC and ultimately removed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after sixteen years. Analysts say the ADC coalition hopes to reverse that historical pattern by bringing together major opposition figures under a single political platform before the 2027 elections.

According to political insiders, the discussions among Obi, Atiku and Amaechi revolve around three key pillars: coalition building, electoral strategy, and national policy alternatives designed to appeal to voters dissatisfied with Nigeria’s economic direction and governance challenges. The ADC reportedly believes that combining Obi’s youth-driven support base, Atiku’s political networks across northern Nigeria, and Amaechi’s organisational influence within the political establishment could create a formidable opposition alliance.

Political scientist Prof. Pat Utomi argued that coalition politics may be the only realistic path for opposition forces seeking to defeat an incumbent government in Nigeria. According to him, “Opposition fragmentation has always been the ruling party’s greatest advantage. A coalition changes the arithmetic of Nigerian politics.”

Similarly, constitutional lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) observed that the emerging alliance reflects a broader democratic pattern. “In many democracies, opposition parties must cooperate to challenge incumbents effectively. What matters is whether such cooperation produces credible alternatives for voters,” Falana said in a recent public lecture on electoral reform.

However, not all analysts believe the coalition will automatically translate into electoral victory. Political commentator Dr. Jide Ojo noted that Nigeria’s electoral politics is shaped by regional balancing, party structures, and grassroots mobilisation, factors that may complicate the opposition’s strategy. “Coalitions are powerful, but they only work when ideological differences are managed and when leadership ambitions are carefully negotiated,” he explained.

The question of who will eventually emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate remains one of the most sensitive issues. Both Obi and Atiku previously contested the presidency in the 2023 election, while Amaechi (former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation) also ran in the APC presidential primaries that produced Tinubu as candidate. Negotiations over the presidential ticket are therefore expected to become a central issue as coalition talks progress.

Political historian Dr. Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, believes the coalition’s success will depend on whether it can present a clear national vision rather than merely an anti-Tinubu agenda. According to him, “Nigerians are not only interested in defeating incumbents; they want to know what comes after. A coalition must offer policy credibility.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling APC dismiss the coalition as politically exaggerated. Some party leaders argue that the opposition alliance lacks cohesion and may eventually collapse under internal rivalry. They maintain that President Tinubu still commands strong political structures nationwide and remains well-positioned ahead of the 2027 race.

Despite the skepticism, the emerging ADC coalition has already intensified political discussions across the country. For many observers, the alliance represents the first serious attempt to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape since the 2023 general election.

Whether the collaboration between Obi, Atiku and Amaechi will ultimately succeed in unseating Tinubu remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency has quietly begun, with coalition politics once again emerging as a decisive factor in the nation’s democratic trajectory..

 

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UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya

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*UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya

 

 

In a significant step toward strengthening sustainable development and leadership capacity across Africa, *UNIPGC AFRICA* has officially sealed a strategic partnership with *Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation (GVEF)* to implement impactful capacity-building projects. The initiative is spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Republic of Kenya.

 

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a *Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)* by key representatives of both organizations. Signatories to the agreement include *H.E. Amb. Jonathan Ojadah*, Global President of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC); *Amb. Jase Carlos Sousa,* Member of the UNIPGC Supreme Council; and *H.E. Maj. (Rtd.) Dr. Dhadho Godhana*, Executive Governor of Tana River County.

 

The MoU establishes a robust framework of cooperation between *UNIPGC* and *GVEF* reflecting a shared vision and strong alignment of values in promoting sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance across Africa.

 

Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate on a wide range of development initiatives, including the promotion of *democracy and good governance*, *climate change education and environmental sustainability*, *health promotion through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Youth capacity building through Robust Film Production Ecosystem, sports development and gender equality and empowerment of marginalized communities*.

 

The partnership will also actively support and advance the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)*.

 

As part of the collaboration, UNIPGC and GVEF have committed to establishing effective channels for joint action through the design and implementation of programs and projects that address shared development priorities. These initiatives will focus on strengthening leadership capacity, promoting inclusive participation in governance, and enhancing community-based development efforts.

 

Furthermore, the partnership will encourage mutual institutional support, enabling both organizations to provide *technical expertise, strategic guidance, and moral support* toward the successful implementation of their initiatives.

 

This landmark collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing cross-sector partnerships aimed at fostering *sustainable development, social inclusion, and transformational leadership across Africa*, while reinforcing the collective commitment of both organizations to achieving the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals*

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