Lyrics of The Old Nigerian National Anthem

Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honoured,
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.

Context and Significance

Unity in Diversity: The anthem emphasizes the unity of Nigeria despite the country's diverse ethnic and linguistic groups. This is encapsulated in the line "Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand."

Patriotic Duty: It encourages Nigerians to serve their country with pride and to maintain the honor of their nation.

Moral Values: The anthem calls for truth, justice, peace, and the creation of a nation where oppression is absent, reflecting the high aspirations for the young nation.

Religious Invocation: The final stanza is a prayer to God, asking for divine assistance in building a peaceful and prosperous nation, which indicates the significant role of religion in Nigerian society.

Legacy

While "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is no longer the national anthem, it remains an important part of Nigeria's history. The anthem set the tone for the national identity at a critical juncture in the country's development and is remembered fondly by many Nigerians, especially those who experienced the early years of independence. The transition to a new anthem in 1978 was part of an effort to reflect a more localized sense of national identity and pride, which led to the adoption of "Arise, O Compatriots," with lyrics composed by five Nigerians and music by the Nigerian Police Band under the direction of Benedict E. Odiase.
Overall, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" played a significant role in Nigeria's post-independence nation-building efforts, embodying the hopes and dreams of a newly sovereign nation.