Why Obasanjo abandoned old National Anthem and adopt ‘Arise, O Compatriot’ in 1978

Under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration, Nigeria made a meaningful change in 1978 by changing its national anthem from “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” to “Arise, O Compatriots.”

This modification served as a metaphor for a larger initiative to promote a sense of national pride and cohesion.

Benedict Odiase, a renowned former police officer who served from 1954 to 1992, wrote the new national anthem.

Taking inspiration from the combined works of five distinguished writers, Odiase—who also held the distinguished positions of Music Director for the Nigerian Police Band and the Mid-West State Police Band—was tasked with writing the anthem.

These authors—P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Dr. Sota Omoigui, and B.A. Ogunnaike—won a nationwide competition, and their entries became the lyrics that millions of people would eventually find moving.

Adopting “Arise, O Compatriots” was motivated by a deliberate attempt to strengthen national identity, especially since the previous anthem’s composer was not originally from Nigeria.

Lillian Jean Williams, a British lyricist who lived in Nigeria during the country’s independence process, wrote the lyrics for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music.

But in 1978, after eighteen years, the anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” had its official status withdrawn. The national anthem was kept under suspense until May 29, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu signed legislation restoring it as the national anthem, which had been adopted on October 1, 1960, the day of Nigeria’s independence.

Championed by House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, the bill moved through committee approvals and readings remarkably quickly, culminating in its ratification at a Tuesday, May 28, 2024, plenary session.

The legislation, titled “Bill For An Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for Matters Related Thereto,” declares that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” will once again be the national anthem at its inauguration, as specified in the proposed act’s schedule.

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