The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Wednesday has released a standardised version of the reintroduced national anthem, following the signing of the bill into law by President Bola Tinubu on May 29.
The move comes amid criticism from some Nigerians who view the reintroduction of the old national anthem as a misplaced priority.
Recall that the national anthem, composed by Lillian Jean Williams, was originally used from 1960 to 1978.
However, since its reintroduction, various versions of the anthem have emerged, prompting the NOA to intervene and ensure a unified lyrics.
At an event in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, unveiled the standardised version of the anthem, stating that the agency consulted with stakeholders to ensure a single, unified lyrics for the national anthem.
He said, “Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President.”
In the standardised version of the reintroduced national anthem, only one word was changed.
The word “and” in line five of the first stanza was corrected to “are,” making the official line read: “Nigerians all, are proud to serve.”
Issa-Onilu said, “We call the attention of Nigerians to line three of the first stanza, which reads: Though tribes and tongues may differ. Note that the words ‘tribes’ and ‘tongues’ are plural.
“We want you to also note that line five of the first stanza reads: ‘Nigerians all, are proud to serve.’ The words ‘are,’ not ‘and’ is correct.”
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.