Arise, O Compatriots
"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in the late 1970s and is the country's second national anthem.
National anthem of Nigeria | |
Lyrics | John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe, 1978 |
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Music | Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiasse, 1990 |
Adopted | 1978 |
Audio sample | |
U.S. Navy Band instrumental version (one verse)
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History
The anthem was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".[1]
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".
English original[2] | Hausa translation | Igbo translation | Yoruba translation[3] | Fulani translation | Tyap translation |
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I |
I |
I |
I |
I |
I |
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.[6]
- 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 honour and glory
- So help me God.[7]
References
- "Nigeria's National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
- "National Anthem". Embassy of Nigeria, Hungary. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- "Awọn aami Orilẹ-ede Naijiria ati Ohun ti Wọn Aṣoju Imudojuiwọn Titun". Current School News (in Yoruba). 2021-06-16. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- "Should the Nigeria National Anthem be rendered as entertainment song? | Premium Times Nigeria". 2014-01-23. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- Nigerian Students Association Newsletter. Nigerian Students Association newsletter. 1981.
- Mbamalu, Socrates (3 May 2021). "Prof. Felicia Adeyoyin, Author of Nigeria's National Pledge, Dies aYitt 83". Foundation For Investigative Journalism.
- "Nigerian National Anthem". Nigeria High Commission UK. Retrieved 2022-02-19.