Viral Video Shows School Children in Nigeria Singing Re-introduced Old National Anthem at Assembly

• Following the re-introduction of the old Nigerian national anthem, schools have started learning it
• Some children were seen in a viral video reciting "Nigeria We Hail Thee" on their assembly ground alongside their teachers
• The old national anthem was used in Nigeria from 1960 to 1978 when it was replaced with “Arise, O Compatriots”

School children in Nigeria have started using the re-introduced old national anthem, "Nigeria We Hail Thee."

The old national anthem was in use between 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, and 1978.

"Nigeria We Hail Thee" was replaced with “Arise, O Compatriots”, which had been in use until 2024.

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, May 29, signed a bill passed by the National Assembly, bringing back the old anthem.

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Following its return, some school children were seen in a viral video reciting it during assembly alongside their teachers.

The video, shared by @kc_journalist, is attracting many reactions.

Watch the video below:

Reactions as children sing old national anthem

@Homiebishop said:

"That was so fast, as if the school planned the whole thing with Tinubu. I’m not impressed."

@YoungEmmanuelJ said:

"These kids are so smart, it might take me years to learn this new anthem."

@Officialikenna commented:

"Anybody wey teach my pikin this song, make e dey ready to pay the pikin next term school fees."

@Iamkayless added:

"Na only children fit learn this thing, make I leave everything wey I dey think of they learn another national anthem?"

Lyrics of re-introduced old national anthem

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The lyrics of the old national anthem goes:

Nigeria we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

In brotherhood we stand,

Nigerians all, and proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honour’d,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,

Grant this our one request,

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed,

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

Some Nigerians want Timi Dakolo's song as anthem

Meanwhile, Nigerians have reacted to the government's move to revert to the old national anthem, and they are clamouring for Timi Dakolo's Great Nation.

According to them, his song resonates to the present reality of the country, and it is more patriotic and excellent.

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Influential APC lawmaker lists benefits of old national anthem

It was also stated that the old anthem belonged to the colonial master, as they added that the country should revert to the former flag.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng