Nigeria; our dear own native land

I just watched the 9pm news and it’s one bad one after the other. At this troubled time, I can only rest my hope on hope itself. Nigeria is ill. There are too many sick and silly things going on this country all at once:

Boko Haram’s unending attacks and rising death toll, bad roads, no electricity, empty hospitals, underpaid civil servants, ASUU’s industrial action, crumbling universities, widespread daylight corruption in public offices, blatant disregard for the rule of law, and the recent ill-timed fuel subsidy removal [the last straw that broke the camel’s back]. If we had ever believed in the lines of these anthems, how did we get here?

NIGERIA’S OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM
Nigeria, We Hail Thee!

This anthem was adopted as our official national anthem on October 1, 1960 at Nigeria’s independence from Great Britain. Music was composed by Frances Berda, and the lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria at the time.

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
And this we count as gain
To pass unto 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.

NIGERIA’S NATIONAL ANTHEM
Arise, O compatriots!

This anthem was adopted in 1978 during Obasanjo’s military administration. Music was composed by Benedict Odiase,  then Director of Music in the Nigeria Police Band. The lyrics are a combination of the works of five winning contestants: John A. Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu in a national competition held for that purpose.

Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.

Oh God of creation,
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign. 

PLEASE LET US PRAY FOR NIGERIA