CurrentReport Blog In a significant cultural shift, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on Wednesday, reinstating Nigeria’s old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The change has elicited a wave of reactions from the public, including notable figures in the entertainment industry.
Popular singer Teniola Apata, widely known as Teni, is among those who have expressed their sentiments about this development.
Teni, renowned for her soulful music and heartfelt lyrics, took to her X handle to share her thoughts on the change. Reflecting on the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” Teni expressed a deep sense of nostalgia. She wrote, “Arise o compatriots, I’ll miss you, thank you for so many childhood memories. till we meet again, love SM.”
The replaced anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” has been a significant part of Nigeria’s history since its adoption in 1978. The lyrics, composed by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe, were performed by the Nigeria Police Band under the direction of B. E. Odiasse. This anthem has been a staple at national events, instilling a sense of patriotism and unity among Nigerians for decades.
With the National Anthem Bill 2024 now in effect, “Arise, O Compatriots” is officially replaced by “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which originally served as the national anthem from independence in 1960 until 1978. The reinstatement of the old anthem marks a return to Nigeria’s early post-independence years, a period filled with optimism and the promise of a new nation.
Teni’s reaction encapsulates the mixed emotions many Nigerians feel about this change. While the reinstatement of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” brings a sense of historical continuity, it also signifies the end of an era for “Arise, O Compatriots,” a song that has accompanied the country through significant milestones.
As Nigerians adjust to singing the reinstated anthem, the memories and emotions tied to “Arise, O Compatriots” will undoubtedly linger. For Teni and many others, the anthem’s legacy will continue to hold a cherished place in their hearts, symbolizing their personal and national history.
