THE Senate has given very quick consideration to an Executive Bill forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu that seeks for the re – introduction of the old National Anthem which starts with popular phrase of ” Nigeria, We Hail Thee ..”
The Senate yesterday gave it first and second reading.
This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the Executive bill by the sponsor, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central.
The bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for matters related thereto, 2024” which was read for the first time yesterday and also given accelerated hearing where it scaled second reading. It was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Federal Character and Inter Governmental Affairs, to report back as soon as possible.
In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, the Senate leader said that the Bill seeks to make provision for Nigeria to revert to its old National Anthem that would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity – compared to the current one.
He said, “the old Anthem if reintroduced , will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony. “
Bamidele who noted that the old National Anthem was more patriotism and Nationalism – driven, said, ” The Anthem, upon rendition, inspired and stimulated deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. You will also agree with me that those who were around in the 60s and the late 70s, would attest to the fact that the Anthem played quite a significant and crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity, as well as engendered high sense of value and personal belonging amongst the citizenry.
“It was symbolic of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and nationhood. In retrospect, the Anthem served as regular and constant reminder of our journey, as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years.
“Mr President, my dear colleagues, at this momentous time in our national history, it is imperative that we utilise any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism amongst Nigerians.
“Accordingly, the old National Anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“Finally, I implore you all, my Distinguished Colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of this Bill, as it is in line with the RENEWED Reorientation of our collective values and national conscientization efforts of the current administration.
“The rendition and musical accuracy of the Anthem, is better in content and context than the current one. On this note, permit me at this juncture, to reproduce the Anthem to serve as a reminder and reflection:
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland”