On May 29, President Bola Tinubu signed the bill to reintroduce the old National Anthem “Nigeria we hail thee,” into law. This has generated a lot of reactions from Nigerians. AUNTY ‘YEMI interacted with some students of CHRIST LIBERTY SCHOOL, IDI APE, Olorunda Abaa Road, Akobo Ojurin, Ibadan, to have their views on the change in the National Anthem.
Folakemi Oyedeji, 13 yrs old, JSS 3
I am got to know about the old National Anthem that has just been brought back on my elder sister’s Facebook page on May 29 when I returned from school. I did not believe at first until I saw a video clip of the anthem with various comments under it. When I saw it, I was not happy when I compared the lyrics. The lines of the discarded one that inspired me most are: “…with love and strength and faith…, the labour of our heros past… help our youth the truth to know…”
Samson Olalere, 14 yrs old, SSS 1
When I learnt that the National anthem has changed from the one we are used to I felt unhappy because I will not be an easy task to learn the old that is brought back. In my opinion, the discarded one had many meaningful and inspiring lines such “the labour of our heros past shall never be in vain…” For every generation, this line gave us the knowledge that there were some Nigerians both living and dead that had contributed, sacrificed and suffered for the freedom and progress of our country especially, Nigeria’s Independence. The anthem brought the memories of heroes like, Chief Obademi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa etc Their labours on Nigeria should not be forgotten.
Olamide Ismaheel, 12 yrs old, JSS 2
On Wednesday, I eavesdropped from my mum while sharing with her friend the development of bringing back the old National Anthem. I was surprised but happy with the change because my mum told me the rhythm is interesting. However, I so much loved some line of the discarded anthem because they have a way to inspire. “help our youth the truth to know…,” in the second stanza of the discarded anthem was a prayer for the younger generation, who have to choose among many things especially between truth and lie.
Justus Amanabo, 9 yrs old, Basic 3
I was not aware of old National Anthem that has just been brought back until our assembly. “To serve our father land…, ‘in love and honesty to grow,” are my favourite lines in the discarded anthem.
Aishat Adesina, 14 yrs old, JSS 2
It sounded strange when I heard of the change of the National Anthem. The third and fourth lines “to serve our fatherland with love and strength and faith,” in the discarded one inspired me each time we sang it. It encouraged me to serve my country in eavesdropped own little way with those virtues mentioned, while I appreciated all our leaders that served Nigeria well.
Hassan Mukai, 10 yrs old, Basic 4
I got to know about the old National Anthem through the social media. When I got home from school on Wednesday, my mummy was on watching the video clip of the anthem on Facebook. After seeing it, I felt it was not good enough because it might be difficult for people to easily learn and get used to it. The discarded anthem stressed the need to obey rules, regulations and respecting authority.
Favour Thompson, 14 yrs old, JSS 3
I was shocked when I knew that Nigerians would henceforth sing the old National Anthem. I wish it were not changed because I liked the motivating lyrics. I think the new one will educate and motivate me. In stanza 1, the line “one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity,” promotes freedom of speech and unity among all ethnic groups, which will foster peace. “Guide our leaders right, help our youth the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow…, to build the nation where peace and justice shall reign.” These lines in stanza two inspired me.
Desire Adekunle, 10 yrs old, Basic 5
There is no big deal in learning the old National Anthem that has been brought back by the government; I will get used to it perfectly within three weeks. I cannot forget the last anthem because it informed, educated and motivated me. “To serve with heart and might…” As a Nigerian, this taught me dedication to my country in my little way.
Inioluwa Busari, 15 yrs old, SSS 2
In the discarded National Anthem, the lines that encouraged me most are from first stanza “to serve our father land with love, and strength and faith.” I saw that as a call to responsibility as a citizen of Nigeria. In the second stanza, “O God of creation, direct our noble course, guide our leaders right,” being prayers to God for our leaders were my favourite too. I am familiar with the tune and lyrics of stanza one of the old National Anthem so memorizing the remaining stanzas will not be a problem.
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