Nigeria lately adopted a brand new nationwide anthem, changing the one in use since 1978. The “Come up, O Compatriots” anthem, launched by the navy authorities, referred to as on Nigerians to serve their fatherland with love and power. The brand new model, titled “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” was first launched in 1960 when Nigeria gained independence from Britain earlier than being dropped by the navy. The legislation changing the anthem was unexpectedly handed by lawmakers dominant within the governing occasion, sparking criticism for lack of public enter. President Bola Tinubu signed the legislation the day after it was accredited by the Nationwide Meeting, with the anthem taking rapid impact.
The swift passage of the invoice, lower than per week after it was launched, raised eyebrows as necessary payments usually take for much longer to be thought-about. Many Nigerians, together with former training minister and presidential aspirant Oby Ezekwesili, expressed disapproval of the brand new anthem on social media, stating they wouldn’t be singing it. Ezekwesili criticized the political class, suggesting they don’t prioritize the general public’s pursuits. Regardless of the backlash, supporters of the brand new anthem argued it was crucial to maneuver away from an anthem launched by the navy. Public affairs analyst Frank Tietie labeled the navy’s change of the anthem as a “unhappy improvement” and highlighted the ideological significance of nationwide anthems in fostering focus among the many folks.
The brand new anthem was publicly performed for the primary time at a legislative session attended by President Tinubu, who marked his one 12 months in workplace on the identical day. The anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” was written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, residing in Nigeria on the time of its inception. The choice to revive the previous anthem from 1960 was met with blended reactions, with some questioning the relevance and appropriateness of the change. The anthem launched by the navy in 1978 had been synonymous with Nigerian identification for over 4 many years, carrying historic significance from a time when the nation was recovering from a brutal civil struggle. The substitute of the anthem showcased a deliberate effort by the federal government to redefine nationwide symbols and narratives in step with modern values and aspirations.
The controversy surrounding the brand new nationwide anthem highlighted deeper points inside Nigerian society, together with the connection between the political class and the general public. Critics argued that the hurried passage of the legislation mirrored a disregard for democratic processes and public engagement, underscoring a disconnect between the management and the residents. The talk over the anthem additionally raised questions on nationwide identification and unity, with differing opinions on the selection of lyrics and symbolism that signify Nigeria’s various heritage and aspirations. Because the nation grappled with the implications of the brand new anthem, discussions round patriotism, historical past, and governance surfaced, shaping a broader dialogue on the course of Nigeria’s political and cultural panorama.
Shifting ahead, the adoption of the brand new nationwide anthem signaled a shift in Nigeria’s public discourse, with requires higher transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Whereas the controversy uncovered underlying tensions and divisions inside society, it additionally supplied a possibility for reflection and dialogue on the nation’s historical past, values, and imaginative and prescient for the long run. By participating in constructive conversations and debates round nationwide symbols and narratives, Nigerians might navigate complicated problems with identification and belonging, fostering a way of unity and collective delight. In the end, the adoption of the brand new anthem served as a catalyst for deeper introspection and engagement with the complexities of Nigeria’s previous, current, and future, paving the way in which for a extra inclusive and participatory strategy to nation-building.