Representatives approve bill to return to the old national anthem

The House of Representatives approved a bill to return to the old national anthem.

The bill, sponsored by House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, passed first, second and third readings on Thursday amid opposition from some lawmakers.

The lyrics of the old National Anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams, composed by Frances Berda and sung between 1960 and 1978 were:

Nigeria we salute you Our dear homeland Though tribe and language may differ In brotherhood we all Nigerians stand and proud to serve Our sovereign homeland Our flag shall be a symbol May truth and justice reign In peace or in honor of battle And we count this as a gain To pass on to our children A spotless banner O God of! all creation Grant this our only request. Help us build a nation where no man is oppressed and so, with peace and abundance, Nigeria can be blessed.

The current national anthem was adopted in 1978 during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was written by John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and PO Aderogbu, five contest winners, and composed by Benedict Odiase.

The current national anthem is:

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Arise, oh fellow countrymen, obey the call of Nigeria to serve our Country with love, strength and faith. The work of our heroes of the past will never be in vain, to serve with heart and power a nation united in freedom, peace and unity. O God of all creation, guide our nobles. causeGuide our leaders correctlyHelp our youth to know the truthIn love and honesty to growAnd living with justice and truthReach great heightsTo build a nation where peace and justice reign.

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