Nigeria
Arise, O Compatriots
1978
1978
John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui, P.O. Aderibigbe
Benedict Elide Odiase
🤝 Unity 🕊 Freedom ❤ Love of homeland ☮ Peace ✝ God / Faith |
Key Facts
- 1. The final lyrics were assembled by a committee that merged the best lines from five different competition entries, making it impossible to credit a single author.
- 2. Nigeria's anthem is notably short at just one verse and a few lines, making it one of the briefest national anthems performed at international events.
- 3. In 2024, the Nigerian Senate briefly considered reverting to the original 1960 anthem 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee,' sparking a heated national debate about colonial-era symbols.
Lyrics
Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.
Oh God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our leaders right:
Help our youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialAdopted in 1978, replacing the original anthem 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee' which had been written by a British expatriate. The new anthem was the result of a national competition and better reflects Nigerian identity and aspirations. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country.