In a historic move, President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the National Anthem Bill, restoring Nigeria’s national anthem to the version used before 1978. The bill, passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in the nation’s symbolic identity.
The original national anthem, which was replaced by the military in 1978, will now replace the more recent “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem. This change comes 46 years after the original anthem was abrogated.
The announcement of the presidential assent was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a joint session of both chambers of the National Assembly. The session also commemorated 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
Ahead of President Tinubu’s arrival, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urged lawmakers and visitors to download the old national anthem, which will once again become the official anthem of Nigeria.
For older generations, the return of the old anthem may evoke nostalgia and a renewed sense of patriotism. It could symbolize a reconnection with the nation’s past and heritage.
This decision may prompt discussions and reflections on Nigeria’s history, culture, and identity. It could lead to a re-examination of the values and ideals represented by the old anthem.
Also, schools and institutions will need to update their curriculum and materials to incorporate the old anthem. This change will require effort and resources to re-educate students and the public on the lyrics and significance of the anthem.
Furthermore, the change could be seen as an attempt to unify the country by revisiting a common historical symbol. Alternatively, it might also reveal or deepen existing divisions if there are strong feelings about the previous anthem.
However, opinions on the change may be divided along political lines. Supporters of President Tinubu might view this as a positive and bold move, while opponents may criticize it as unnecessary or a distraction from more pressing issues.
