President Bola Tinubu delivered a poignant address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, as Nigeria commemorated 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Accompanied by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu’s presence underscored the significance of the occasion.
Upon his arrival, the lawmakers, in unison, recited the newly adopted national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee,” a symbolic gesture reflecting the nation’s evolving identity under democracy, a change recently signed into law by the President himself.
Expressing his heartfelt appreciation, Tinubu thanked the lawmakers for their unwavering dedication in upholding Nigeria’s democratic principles over the past two decades.
“Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much. This is the institution building the country,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the diverse composition of the new National Assembly, Tinubu emphasized its representation of Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.
He commended the federal lawmakers for their collaborative efforts with the executive in nation-building, stressing the importance of domestic initiatives over foreign aid.
“All Nigerians must work to make the nation for generations yet unborn,” he urged.
The adoption of the new national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” marked a symbolic shift in the country’s narrative, replacing the previous anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Originally composed during Nigeria’s independence era by Lillian Jean Williams and Frances Berda, the anthem played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s identity and unity.
As Tinubu addressed the assembly, the lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” resonated throughout the chambers, serving as a poignant reminder of Nigeria’s journey towards unity, justice, and prosperity:
“Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honor’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.”
As Tinubu’s address concluded, the echoes of the anthem lingered, embodying the nation’s aspirations for a brighter future filled with unity, justice, and prosperity.