By Nudoiba Ojen
The National Orientation Agency during the week presented a standardised version of the re-adopted National Anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” to the general public.
Presenting the anthem at a press conference at NOA’s headquarters in Abuja, Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the standardised version of the anthem had become compelling in view of the circulation of several versions of the anthem on social media.
Issa-Onilu noted that the correct expression, in line three of the first stanza of the anthem, for instance, is “Though tribes and tongues may differ,” and not “though tribe and tongue may differ,” as contained in the wrong version.
In the same vein, he pointed out that in line five of the same stanza, the correct expression is, “Nigerians all, are proud to serve our sovereign motherland” and not “Nigerians all, and proud to serve our sovereign motherland.”
The DG also told the newsmen that the agency’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOS) in 774 local government areas of the country had reported that whereas Nigerians are willing to learn the new National Anthem, they are confused with the circulation of different lyrics, instrumental and audio rendition of the anthem.
He added that citizens are asking questions on which of the stanzas is the national prayer.
The NOA boss assured that a decision on whether any of the stanzas would be adopted as a national prayer would be taken after the necessary approval procedure.
Text of the address in part: “The Anthem is one of the country’s national symbols, which NOA as the custodian, is mandated to promote and preserve its integrity for national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.
“Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President.
“We call the attention of Nigerians to line three (3) of the first stanza, which reads: ‘Though tribes and tongues may differ.’ Note that the words ‘tribes’ and ‘tongues’ are in plural. We want you to also note that line five (5) of the first stanza reads: ‘Nigerians all, are proud to serve.’ The word ‘are,’ not “and,” is correct.
“On the official instrumental and audio rendition, NOA will call for entries for the production of an authentic Nigerian melody, taking into cognizance, the indigenous instrumentation of the Nigerian people.
“The effective date for the entries and the procedure will be announced through NOA channels in the coming week.
“Regarding questions about national prayer, NOA will follow the official procedure to obtain approval for the adoption of a new National Prayer. The National Pledge remain valid and operational.”
Official National Anthem
Stanza 1
Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Stanza 2
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.
Stanza 3
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.
