Quite number of Nigerian celebrities across different industries have reacted to the reintroduced national anthem, among them are Adekunle Gold, Joeboy, and Kate Henshaw.
The theme of the former national anthem, which was adopted between 1960 and 1988, was “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” and the new version, which was used from 1978 and early 2024, was named “Arise, O Compatriots.”
The former song was composed by Frances Berda, a fellow Brit, and penned by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams.
Nigerian composer Benedict Odiase wrote the 1978 national anthem.
The bill was swiftly passed by the house of representatives on May 23, and on Tuesday, during a public hearing, the senate followed suit.
On Wednesday, the bill reintroducing the former national anthem was signed by President Bola Tinubu.
However, the move has prompted a surge of social media comments, with a number of Nigerians expressing their displeasure, including celebrities.
Some celebrities called the decision a “misplaced priority,” contending that the government ought to concentrate on more urgent problems including economic instability, unemployment, and insecurity.
“No one thought Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation makes a better anthem?” Adekunle Gold wrote.
“In the midst of excoriating hardship & lack of good governance on every level but not to worry going back to a colonial anthem will be a soothing balm and inject patriotism back into our veins, a much needed drug,” Kate Henshaw added.
“Dem for allow me dagger this national anthem. E never complete,” Odumodublvck also wrote.
Arise o compatriots, I’ll miss you, thank you for so many child hood memories. till
we meet again, love SM— THE REAL IDAN (@TeniEntertainer) May 29, 2024
DEM FOR ALLOW ME DAGGER THIS NATIONAL ANTHEM.
E NEVER COMPLETE
– INDUSTRY MACHINE
— INDUSTRY MACHINE (@Odumodublvck_) May 30, 2024
Of all things to address…..
The f***ing National Anthem
At this point they can change the flag to purple and burgundy , shoot the horses on the coat of arms and let the dead eagle 🦅 take flight.
Really sick of the incompetence
— iLLBLISS OGA BOSS (@illBlissGoretti) May 29, 2024
Animals in Agbada fit make me start to sing our olden days National Anthem, imposicant.
Vagabonds in power wan distract us from hunger, kidnapping, high cost of living by organizing useless priorities for us to follow so we no go dey talk as e dey pain us?
Who no know say APC… pic.twitter.com/PXtj6ApCSR
— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) May 29, 2024
No one thought Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation makes a better anthem?
— BIG FISH 🦈 (@adekunleGOLD) May 29, 2024
Now that we have the old national anthem can we now have the old price for foodstuff and dollar ?
— 𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚊 (@erigganewmoney) May 30, 2024
Exchange rate is sky rocketing, cost of living is so high, insecurity in many parts of the country but one year in office,however, let’s change the national anthem.
This is so sad and shameful— Noble Igwe (@Nobsdaslushhkid) May 29, 2024
I’m not learning any other national anthem…
— Toolz O.D (@ToolzO) May 29, 2024
Of all the problems Nigerians have to deal with,changing the national anthem is priority? Okay naw.
— LAVIDA BOY (@Joeboy) May 29, 2024
