The Adoption of the New National Anthem: A Shift from Colonialism to Neocolonialism

-
Master Emmanuel O Umar

A stranger does not tell one's story better than the person who owns it. I perceive the recent reversion to the old national anthem as a movement toward neocolonialism, where European culture continues to exert influence even after our liberation from colonial rule.

The old national anthem, now newly adopted, was written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, both European. In contrast, "Arise O' Compatriots," adopted in 1978 during President Olusegun Obasanjo's regime, was penned by Nigerian poet John A. Ilechukwu and set to music by Nigerian composer Ben Odiase.

The decision to transition from "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" to "Arise, O' Compatriots" in 1978 aimed to foster national unity and identity. The latter anthem was chosen for its inclusive lyrics, reflecting the aspirations of the Nigerian people and inspiring patriotism and commitment to national progress and unity.

However, the recent abrupt switch seems to prioritize European influence over indigenous representation, amidst pressing issues facing the nation. As a young poet, I have compared the two anthems and fail to see how the European composition supersedes that of our Nigerian poets and composers.

Nevertheless, perhaps we can consider using both anthems concurrently, akin to how we handle old and new currency notes.

In times when leaders seem disconnected from the hardships faced by the people they represent, misplaced priorities become inevitable.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria🇳🇬.

From a concerned citizen,

Umar Emmanuel Omeiza

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Diocese of Okene Holds Third Session of Fifth Synod, Emphasizes Role of Christians as Salt and Light

-
Image
  The Diocese of Okene (Anglican Communion), under the episcopacy of The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Isezuo Onsachi, on Friday, August 1st, 2025, commenced the third session of its Fifth Synod with a Holy Communion service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Okunchi. The Synod, themed “The Impacts and Roles of Christians as Salt and Light of the World,” began with the dedication of a newly constructed toilet facility donated by Mr. and Mrs. Ikechukwu Ajuluchukwu, which was commissioned by the Lord Bishop. The guest preacher, The Ven. Dr. Jonah Y. John, who is also the Rector of Bishop Crowther College of Theology, challenged Christians to embody the true essence of being the “salt of the earth” by standing out and making a difference in the midst of a corrupt and perverse generation. Bible study during the opening service was led by The Rev. Canon Simeon O. Samuel, who emphasized the importance of self-examination and living as true salt that the world desperately needs. The service featured...
Read more

Okene Diocesan Synod Day 2: Bishop Onsachi Charges Christians to Be Salt and Light of the World, Commends Gov. Ododo on Road Construction

-
Image
  The Diocesan Bishop of Okene, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Isezuo Onsachi, has charged Christians to live out their calling as the "salt and light of the world" in both word and deed. Delivering his Episcopal Address at the Third Session of the Fifth Synod of the Diocese of Okene, themed “The Impacts and Roles of Christians as Salt and Light of the World,” Bishop Onsachi expressed concern over the fading moral and spiritual influence of some Christians, including those bearing ecclesiastical titles. He lamented that many are gradually losing their “saltiness” and “light,” thereby failing in their divine mandate to be examples of righteousness and positive change in society. He called on the faithful to stand out in character, moral values, and relevance in both societal and institutional spheres, stressing that true Christianity is reflected not just in religious activities but in everyday conduct. Bishop Onsachi also took time to commend t...
Read more

Hon. Abanika Hosts Ajaokuta Non-Indigenes as They Endorse Gov. Ododo, Back Hon. Sanni Egidi for Second Term

-
Image
Non-indigenes residing in Ajaokuta Federal Constituency have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, while also endorsing Hon. Abdulraheem Sanni Egidi for a second term in the House of Representatives. The group, comprising members of diverse ethnic backgrounds—Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba, Hausa, Ibaji, Edo/Delta, Akwa-Cross (Cross River/Akwa Ibom), and Igbo paid a courtesy visit on Tuesday to the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, at his office in Lokoja. Led by Hon. Obiakor Jude Obiora, the Senior Special Assistant to Hon. Abdulraheem Sanni Egidi, the delegation hailed the achievements of Governor Ododo, describing him as a “servant leader who has redefined governance in Kogi State.” The group declared their readiness to mobilize support across the constituency to ensure Governor Ododo secures a second term in office, stressing that his continued leadership is “non-negotiable.” ...
Read more

Kogi State Specialist Hospital Takes Delivery of Cutting-Edge X-ray Digitizer, 4D Ultrasound Scan Machine, and Commences Dialysis Services

-
Image
In a major boost to quality healthcare delivery, the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, on Monday, July 7, 2025, took delivery of a state-of-the-art cutting-edge X-ray Digitizer and 4D Ultrasound Scan machine, while also commencing full dialysis services. This milestone aligns with the commitment of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, to reposition the healthcare system for quality and accessible service delivery through strategic investments and infrastructural development. Speaking to journalists in his office, the Ag. Chief Medical Director, Dr. Oluseyi Bamidele Folagbade, disclosed that the digitizer was generously donated by EverX Pty Limited, a reputable Australian-based company. The donation, he explained, was the result of a long-standing relationship he established with the company during his postgraduate studies in Australia over a decade ago. Dr. Folagbade explained that the cutting-edge X-ray Digitizer will significantly enha...
Read more

Hon. Abanika Taiye Hails Gov. Ododo on One-Year Anniversary, Describes Him as a True Servant Leader

-
Image
  The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the occasion of his one-year anniversary in office. Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, Hon. Abanika described Governor Ododo as a true servant leader who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people through his visionary, people-centered policies and governance. "His Excellency is a man with a heart of gold. Within just one year in office, he has consolidated the noble legacy of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON. Today, Kogites enjoy remarkable benefits, including enhanced security, regular payment of salaries, and the implementation of the new minimum wage, which has brought smiles to the faces of civil servants at both the state and local government levels," Hon. Abanika stated. The Honourable Commissioner highlighted Governor Ododo’s massive inve...
Read more

Com. Adeku Omeiza Samuel Vies to Revamp Kogi State Medical Students Association in Bid for Presidency

-
Image
~Promises to Harness Experience and Government Support to Elevate Students Welfarism Com. Adeku Omeiza Samuel also known as the Investor a Kogi indigene of Kaduna State University, is gearing up to contest for the position of Kogi State National President of the Medical Students Association (KOMSA). In a recent address to the press in Lokoja, Adeku underscored his commitment to revitalizing the Kogi State Medical Association, citing his background as a seasoned unionist and the favorable stance of the Kogi State government under Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo towards the medical profession. Adeku, popularly known as "the Investor," articulated his vision to capitalize on his experience and the supportive environment fostered by the current government to bring about positive changes within the association. He pledged to uphold the esteemed legacies of past leaders while introducing innovative measures aimed at streamlining the study of medicine and mitigating the associated costs, part...
Read more