Why I Reintroduced Old National Anthem – Tinubu

ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that reintroducing the old national anthem was a priority for his administration.

He made this announcement during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the presidential villa in Abuja, recently.

Tinubu explained that the decision to revert to the old anthem is part of his broader efforts to promote national unity and rekindle a sense of patriotism among Nigerians.

The President emphasized the historical significance and emotional resonance of the old anthem, suggesting that it better reflects the values and aspirations of the nation.

“Let me allude to something that happened yesterday. The change of national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’. Some people say, okay… say what? Is that your priority? It’s my priority. I agree with the National Assembly. If they make law, I’ve got to obey that law, or we disagree openly and close the chapter.”

Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity should be protected and celebrated, adding that the country’s population should not be seen as a burden.

“But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that. As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.

“It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it. When I came begging for votes I didn’t say vote for me as a Yoruba man, I said vote for me as Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, he said.

In 2022, President Tinubu had said he would bring back the first national anthem “if I have my way”.

On May 29, Tinubu signed the legislation that returned the old national anthem themed: ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’.

The New NATIONAL ANTHEM Of Old

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.