The National Orientation Agency (NOA) unveiled the standardized version of the reintroduced national anthem on Wednesday. Originally composed by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, this anthem was utilized by Nigeria from 1960 to 1978. Despite criticism over the decision to revert to the old anthem, President Bola Tinubu signed it into law on May 29.
Following the reintroduction, various versions of the anthem emerged nationwide, prompting the NOA to assure Nigerians of a standardized rendition after consultations with stakeholders. At the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the importance of presenting an official version aligned with the Act signed by the President.
In this standardized version, only one word was altered. The word “and” in the fifth line of the first stanza was corrected to “are,” resulting in the line reading: “Nigerians all, are proud to serve.” Issa-Onilu clarified that the words “tribes” and “tongues” in the third line of the first stanza are plural, and “are” is the correct word in the fifth line.
Here is the standardized version of the reintroduced national anthem:
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.
