Arise, O Compatriots

Arise, O Compatriots

National anthem of  Nigeria
Lyrics	John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P.O. Aderibigbe
Music	Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiase
Adopted	1978
Relinquished	present
Music sample
Arise O Compatriots (Instrumental)

"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.^[1] The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.

English lyrics

Arise, O compatriots

Nigeria's call obey

To serve our fatherland

With love and strength and faith

The labour of our heroes past

Shall never be in vain

To serve with heart and might

One nation bound in freedom

Peace and unity.

Oh God of creation

Direct our noble cause

Guide our leaders right

Help our youth the truth to know

In love and honesty to grow

And living just and true

Great lofty heights attain

To build a nation where peace

And justice shall reign.

Lyrics in Igbo

Kulienu ndi ala-anyi

Zaa oku Naijiria

Je ozi n'okwukwe, n'ike, n'ihunanya

Ka mbo ndi odogwu anyi gbara

Ghara ila n'ighi

Je ozi na ume na obi

Na obodo nwere onwe ya, n'udo, n'idi n'otu

Lyrics in Hausa

Yaku 'yan Nijeriya ku farka;

Ku amsa kiran Nijeriya;

Domin mu taimaki kasarmu ta haihuwa;

Don aiki ga kasata cikin soyayya da rikon gaskiya;

Domin gudumawar da shuwagabaninmu 'yan kishin kasa suka bada;

kada ta zama a banza;

Muyi aiki da zuciya daya da girmamawa a gareta;

Domin ta kasance kasa daya mai yanci ga kowa tare da hadin kai da zaman lafiya.

Lyrics in Yoruba

Dide eyin ara .

Wa je-pe Naijiria,

ka fife sin 'lewa

pelu okun ati 'gbagbo

Ki ise awon akoni wa ko ma se ja sa-san,

ka sin tokan-tara

ile tominira wa,

alafia so-dokan.

National Pledge

The Pledge is recited immediately after the National Anthem

  I pledge to Nigeria my country
  To be faithful, loyal and honest
  To serve Nigeria with all my strength
  To defend her unity, and uphold her honour and glory
  So help me God.

References

1. "Nigeria’s National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-07-08.

• Nigerian National Anthem And Pledge - Nairaland

External links

• Nigeria: Arise, O Compatriots - Audio of the national anthem of Nigeria, with information and lyrics
• The Consulate General of Nigeria, New York. USA