Clicking
on the image on the left will play the tune of the national
anthem (assuming you have a sound card of course). (Sound clip
copied from
Nigerian galleria).
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor 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.
BRIEF ANTHEM HISTORY:
Before Nigeria's independence, the British National anthem was
used at festivals and official ceremonies, and not surprisingly,
it prayed for the British Monarch. Shortly before independence,
a new anthem, written by two British ladies, was adopted as the
new anthem. This was then again changed in 1978 to the above.
The National Publicity Committee organized a competition for a
new national anthem. The final words (listed above) were formed
from the entries of the best five picks: John A Ilechukwu, Eme
Etim Akpan, B A Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe.
The music was composed by Nigerian Police Band, headed by Ben
Odiase.
