How To Recite The Nigerian National Anthem

The Nigerian National Anthem was adopted in 1978 which replaced the old colonial anthem “Nigeria we hail thee”. It has two stanzas. Till date, most Nigerians don’t know how to recite the national anthem or even say her pledge.

Nigeria’s flag

The Nigerian National Anthem is the symbol of unity and patriotism among Nigerians. It is for Nigeria, by Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora but sadly, a vast majority of the Nigerian populace do not know how to recite the national anthem.

Some who have a clue, begin to recite and stop halfway, while others mistake words like “fatherland” for “father’s land” and this can be somewhat embarrassing.

“Arise O Compatriots” as the Nigerian National Anthem is fondly called was adopted in the year 1978 and it replaced the former National Anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

The words of the Nigerian National Anthem were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.

It is noteworthy to mention that the first stanza of the Nigerian National Anthem is also known as the General Salute, while the second stanza of the Anthem is called the National Prayer.

The Nigerian National Anthem is mostly said at official gatherings, sport events and military parades. When the Nigerian national anthem lyrics is said, one is expected to stand still when it is being sung. Below are the lyrics of the Nigerian’s National Anthem

Stanza 1:

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.

Stanza 2:

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.

The Plegde:

This is recited immediately after the National Anthem with the right arm on the chest.

“I pledge to Nigeria my country

To be faithful, loyal and honest

To serve Nigeria with all my strength

To defend her unity, and uphold her honor and glory

So help me God.

Please note that it was Benedict E. Odiase who composed/wrote the Nigerian national anthem. You can also learn of the history of the Nigerian National anthem on Wikipedia and can download Nigeria national anthem song from Youtube easily if you want to learn it.

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The Lyrics of the Nigerian National Anthem in Hausa

Yaku ‘yan Nijeriya ku farka;
Ku amsa kiran Nijeriya;
Domin mu taimaki ƙasarmu ta haihuwa;
Don aiki ga ƙasata cikin soyayya da riƙon gaskiya;
Domin gudumawar da shuwagabaninmu ‘yan kishin ƙasa suka bada;
kada ta zama a banza;
Muyi aiki da zuciya ɗaya da girmamawa a gareta;
Domin ta kasance ƙasa ɗaya mai yanci ga kowa tare da haɗin kai da zaman lafiya.

Lyrics of the Nigerian National Anthem in Igbo

Bilie nu Umunne,
Nigeria oku rubere,
Iji na-eje ozi anyị nna,
Na ịhụnanya na ike na okwukwe,
The ọrụ anyị dike gara aga,
Agaghi-abụ ihe efu,
Iji na-eje ozi na obi na idi-ike,
Otu mba kee onwe,
Udo na ịdị n’otu.

Lyrics of the Nigerian National Anthem in Yoruba

Dide eyin ara .
Wa je-pe Naijiria,
ka fife sin ‘lewa
pelu okun ati ‘gbagbo
Ki ise awon akoni wa
ko ma se ja sa-san,
Ka sin tokan-tara
ile tominira wa,
ti alafia so-dokan.