Abuja, May 28, 2024 – The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill, the National Anthem Bill 2024, to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
With the passage of the bill and accent by President Bola Tinubu, the old anthem, adopted on October 1, 1960, will replace the current anthem.
The bill seeks to revive the anthem which was dropped in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration.
Lillian Jean Williams, a Briton, who lived in Nigeria during independence, wrote the lyrics in “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, commented on the old national anthem: “Upon rendition, it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians.
“Those who lived through that era recognised its crucial role in our nation’s history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of our early years.”
