The second national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” replaced “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in 1978
The Anthem:
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 leader’s 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.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960.
The Anthem:
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
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.
O God of 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 Nigerian pledge of allegiance is recited immediately after the playing of the Nigerian national anthem: It was written by Prof (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in 1976.
The Pledge:
