The news
Nigeria’s president has signed a bill to change the national anthem, sparking criticism from Nigerians. The ‘new’ national anthem returns to a version used from independence in October 1960 until 1978, a year before the first era of military rule ended.
The lyrics and music of the former national anthem, titled ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’, were composed by two British women, Lilian Jean Williams and Frances Berda. ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, on the other hand, was created by five members of the Nigerian Police Band and has since been sung and played around the world for almost 50 years.
Knowing more
The bill for the new national anthem was passed by parliament within a week. Supporters of the ruling party say the old anthem has helped shape national identity and unity, evoking “feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years.”
The swift amendment has left many Nigerians confused. Made official on the day of the president’s first birthday, the proclamation of a new old anthem smacks of a hasty attempt to come up with a feel-good anchor to distract from a difficult year for residents.
If only there were similarly quick fixes to rising food and drug prices, and achieving stability for a still devaluing currency.
