"Arise, O Compatriots" is the
national anthem
A national anthem is a patriotic musical composition symbolizing and evoking eulogies of the history and traditions of a country or nation. The majority of national anthems are marches or hymns in style. American, Central Asian, and European n ...
of
Nigeria
Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
. It was adopted in the late 1970s and is the country's second national anthem.
History
The anthem was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous national anthem, "
Nigeria, We Hail Thee
"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is the former national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978. Nigeria's present anthem, " Arise, O Compatriots," was adopted in 1978, replacing "Nigeria, We Hail Thee."
History
"Nigeria, We Hail Thee ...
".
The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of
Benedict P. Odiase (1934–2013). The Nigerian national anthem lyrics were created by five people: P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme tim Akpan and
B.A. Ogunnaike.
Lyrics
Although the anthem has two verses, usually only the first is sung. On some occasions, the second verse is recited as "The National Prayer".
National Pledge
The Nigerian pledge of allegiance is recited immediately after the playing of the Nigerian national anthem. It was written by
Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in 1976.
Notes
References
{{Nationalanthemsofafrica
African anthems
Nigerian songs
National symbols of Nigeria
National anthem compositions in F major