Discover Nigeria: The National Anthem “Arise O’ Compatriots”

By Nehi Igbinijesu. Prior to the independence of Nigeria, the anthem of the United Kingdom was sung at national events and ceremonies. As implied, the “God Save the Queen “anthem eulogized the British Monarch and was unreflective of the deep-seated aspirations of a “soon-to-be” free Nigeria. Along with the many relics of colonialism handed down by the British at our independence in 1960, was the “Nigeria We Hail Thee”.  A three-stanza anthem [written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, both of them Britons] brewed a lot of sentiments that led to the adoption of a new national anthem in 1978. The most potent of these sentiments against the “Nigeria We Hail Thee” was a portion contained in the anthem: “To hand onto our children a banner without stain”.  The Thirty-month civil war of 1967 had rendered the import of that phrase impossible. And the search for a replacement had become pertinent. In 1978, The Federal Military Government under the leadership of General Olusegun Obasanjo mandated the National Publicity Committee to come up with a new anthem for the country.  To this end, a contest was organized. And of the many entries sent in, five stood out. The five entries from which the lyrics of the new anthem, “Arise O Compatriot” were drawn from, were written by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P.O Aderibigbe. The music was composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict Ellis Odiase. The “Arise O Compatriots” is laced with a wealth of meaning in both its stanzas; the first stanza being, a call to duty and the second, a prayer for divine guidance.  In truth, the anthem is a candid reflection of the ideal Nigerian: a diligent individual who believes in God. So the next time you sing these words or hear it sung, let them hold a fresh meaning to you, about a country whose call you must obey: Arise, O compatriots Nigeria’s call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labor 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.