In a heartfelt declaration, Senate President Godswill Akpabio passionately emphasized that the reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” is not a colonial relic but a true reflection of Nigerian identity.
This profound sentiment was expressed during his visit to the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja, creating ripples of patriotic inspiration on Tuesday.
With unwavering conviction, Akpabio addressed those who mistakenly perceive the reintroduced anthem as a vestige of colonialism, asserting that they lack a deep understanding of both the law and the nation’s rich history.
He enlightened his audience by sharing that a group of visionary Nigerians formed in 1959, who diligently sought suggestions from across the globe to craft an anthem that would embody the spirit of the nation. This anthem was approved and cherished by the committee.
“The reverting to our old national anthem,” Akpabio expressed, “is another significant achievement accomplished by the National Assembly.” He further revealed that an illustrious panel was established, composed of passionate Nigerians who diligently collected perspectives from all corners of the world.
This collaborative effort was instrumental in shaping the anthem we hold dear today. Thus, he urged those who question its authenticity to delve deeper into the captivating history of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Akpabio went on to contemplate the profound impact the reintroduced anthem could have had on the nation’s security landscape.
He passionately stated that had Nigeria continued to embrace this anthem as its guiding melody, it may have served as a powerful deterrent to the scourge of banditry and insecurity that plagues the land.
The essence of brotherhood and kinship, symbolized by the anthem’s heartfelt lyrics, has the potential to foster unity and harmony.
“If we had kept to that anthem,” Akpabio mused, “we probably would not be grappling with the darkness of banditry today. For when we embrace our neighbors as brothers, the thought of causing harm becomes inconceivable.”
