Celebrities react to reintroduced national anthem

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.