House of Rep to Change to Old National Anthem, “Nigeria, we Hail Thee”.

The Senate House of Assembly has already passed a bill to change to old national anthem, “Nigeria, we have thee.”

The bill has successfully passed through first and second readings, but now it awaits the president’s approval to be passed into law.

According to the Senate, the legislation was passed in order to change the national anthem, Arise, O compatriots, to Nigeria, we hail thee. Noting that the first national anthem was composed on October 1st, 1960.

The aim of the bill is to revive the 1978 national anthem that was used during Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime.

The British expatriate Lillian Jean William wrote “Nigeria, we hail thee,” and Frances Berda composed the music. The Anthem played a significant role in promoting national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

Opeyemi  Bamide spoke on the fact that the impact of the anthem was that it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians.

The Senate began a public hearing on Monday on an Act to provide more for the national anthem of Nigeria.

Bamide also said that the second stanza of the already existing anthem will be used as a national prayer.

He said the reversal was not out of place, but it would help improve a wider process to help reflect a sense of generality.

Mike Ozekhome, Nigeria’s senior advocate, pointed out one of the lines of the previous anthem that discussed depression, also stating that the change of the national anthem was long overdue.

He recalled that he mooted the idea of changing the anthem 10 years ago at the 2014 CONFAB through a motion, and the 490 delegates debated it and supported it.

He also said that the current Nigerian flag is too bland and does not inspire as much as the flag of the USA.

The bill for the second reading was eventually passed on Tuesday after it was sought for last week. “Nigeria, we hail thee” passed through second reading.

The old national anthem will take effect after the bill is harmonised by two Chambers and, finally, the presidential nod.