What You Need About Nigerian National Anthem & National Pledge


Nigerian National Pledge

I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory
So help me God.

Former Nigerian National Anthem (196-1978)

Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes 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 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.

History of Former Nigerian National Anthem

On October 1, 1960, the song “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was officially declared the country’s national anthem. Lyricist Lillian Jean Williams was a British expatriate living in Nigeria at the time of the country’s independence, and she is credited with writing the song’s rousing refrain. Music for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was written by Frances Berda. In 1978, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots,” the country’s current national song. There were many people who were not happy with the new national song, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” when it was initially announced. The Yoruba group Egbé m Odùduwà’s journal, The Daily Service, launched a protest movement against the national anthem, prompting the formation of a committee to gather signatures on a petition. In 1978, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots,” the current national anthem of Nigeria.

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