Standardized Version of Reintroduced National Anthem Released
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released the standardized version of the reintroduced national anthem, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on May 29. The anthem, composed by Lillian Jean Williams, was previously in use from 1960 to 1978.
The standardized version aims to clarify any doubts about the correct lyrics, with only one word change made – “and” to “are” in the first stanza. The official national anthem now reads:
Stanza 1:
Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland
Stanza 2:
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle, honour’d
And this we count as gain
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain
Stanza 3:
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
The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the importance of using the correct lyrics, highlighting that the words “tribes” and “tongues” are in plural in the first stanza.
The standardized version of the national anthem is now available, and Nigerians are encouraged to use the correct lyrics.