Arise, O Compatriots
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 |
"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in the late 1970s and is the country's second ever national anthem.
History[]
It 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). Though it has two verses, usually only the first is sung. On some occasions, the second verse is recited as "The National Prayer". The Nigerian national anthem lyrics were created by 5 people such as P.O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme tim Akpan and B.A. Ogunnaike.
Lyrics[]
Original lyrics in English | Hausa translation | Igbo translation | Yoruba translation | Fulani translation | Tyap translation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arise, O Compatriots |
Tashi, Ya Yan Uwa |
Bilie, ndị obodo |
Dide, eyin Omo ilu |
Heey, ummee onon leydiyanke'en, |
Á̱na̱nyiuk, nyi ta̱ngam, |
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.[2]
- 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.
References[]
- ^ "Nigeria's National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
- ^ Mbamalu, Socrates (3 May 2021). "Prof. Felicia Adeyoyin, Author of Nigeria's National Pledge, Dies at 83". Foundation For Investigative Journalism.
External links[]
- African anthems
- National anthems
- Nigerian songs
- National symbols of Nigeria
- National anthem compositions in F major