Arise, O Compatriots
| File:Nigerian national anthem.gif | |
National anthem of  Nigeria | |
| Lyrics | John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe, 1978 |
|---|---|
| Music | Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiasse, 1978 |
| Adopted | 1978 |
| Audio sample | |
"Arise, O Compatriots" (instrumental) | |
"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in the late 1970s and is the country's second ever national anthem.
History
It was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".[1]
The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase. Though it has two verses, usually the first is only sung on most occasions.
English lyrics
- Arise, O compatriots
- Nigeria's call obey
- to serve our fatherland
- with love and strength and faith.
- The labour of our heroes past
- shall never be in vain,
- to serve with heart and might
- one nation bound in freedom
- Peace and unity.
- O 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
Lyrics in Hausa
- Yaku 'yan Nijeriya ku farka;
- Ku amsa kiran Nijeriya;
- Domin mu taimaki ƙasarmu ta haihuwa;
- Don aiki ga ƙasata cikin soyayya da riƙon gaskiya;
- Domin gudumawar da shuwagabaninmu 'yan kishin ƙasa suka bada;
- kada ta zama a banza;
- Muyi aiki da zuciya ɗaya da girmamawa a gareta;
- Domin ta kasance ƙasa ɗaya mai yanci ga kowa tare da haɗin kai da zaman lafiya.
ooga booga ooooog boog ogga boogi monekys, yes we are monkys oooooga boog!
Lyrics in Yoruba
- Dide eyin ara .
- Wa je-pe Naijiria,
- ka fife sin 'lewa
- pelu okun ati 'gbagbo
- Ki ise awon akoni wa
- ko ma se ja sa-san,
- Ka sin tokan-tara
- ile tominira wa,
- ti alafia so-dokan.
National Pledge
The Nigerian pledge of allegiance is recited immediately after the playing of the Nigerian national anthem: It was written by Professor (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adedoyin in 1976.
- I pledge to Nigeria my country.
- To be faithful, loyal and honest.
- To serve Nigeria with all my strength.
- To defend unity, and uphold honour and glory.
- So help me God.
References
- ^ "Nigeria's National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-07-08.