Lillian Jean Williams penned the lyrics to Nigeria’s national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” in 1959, while the music was composed by Frances Berda.
Although it was adopted as the national anthem on October 1, 1960, it was later replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
However, in a recent development, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was reinstated as the national anthem on May 29, 2024. See lyrics below:
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.
