By John Ikani
Nigeria’s Senate is taking a step back in time, with a bill seeking to revert to the country’s first national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The anthem, adopted at independence in 1960, was replaced in 1978 by the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo.
The bill, which passed its second reading on Thursday, has garnered support from many senators who believe the old anthem better fosters national identity and unity.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, leading the debate, emphasized the anthem’s power to evoke patriotism and a sense of belonging.
“The old anthem,” Senator Bamidele argued, “played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity. It served as a constant reminder of our journey as a nation and instilled a sense of pride in our heritage.”
Bamidele further proposed that reinstating “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” would serve as a unifying force in these challenging times.
He highlighted the anthem’s ability to inspire a renewed commitment to building a strong and united Nigeria.
Several senators echoed Bamidele’s sentiments. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim pointed out that the current anthem lacks the emphasis on brotherhood present in the old one.
“The old anthem spoke of brotherhood,” he stated, “which fosters a sense of responsibility towards fellow Nigerians.”
Senator Victor Umeh emphasized the motivational aspect of the proposed anthem.
“The old National Anthem is motivational,” he said. “It contains elements that remind us of the importance of putting Nigeria above all else.”
While most senators supported the bill, some called for public hearings to gauge public opinion.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim suggested this would reveal the level of familiarity with both anthems amongst Nigerians.
The Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, and Internal Affairs will now consider the bill further and report back with their recommendations.
The potential return of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” has sparked debate, with many Nigerians eager to see if the anthem of their nation’s youth will once again resonate through the country.
