Arise, O Compatriots

Arise, O Compatriots is a Nigerian patriotic song that was used as the national anthem of Nigeria from 1 October 1978 until 2024, when Nigeria, We Hail Thee was reinstated. On 29 May 2024, "Arise, O Compatriots" was officially relinquished followed by the readoption of the first national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" used from 1960 until 1978.

History

The anthem was adopted in 1978 by the military dictatorship and replaced the previous national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".

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 P. Odiase (1934–2013). The lyrics were created by five people: P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan and B.A. Ogunnaike.

On 29 May 2024, "Arise, O Compatriots" was officially relinquished following a bill passed by the National Assembly and subsequently signed into law by president Bola Tinubu. It was replaced by "Nigeria, We Hail Thee", Nigeria’s first national anthem.

Lyrics

Although the anthem has two verses, usually only the first is sung. On some occasions, the second verse is recited as "The National Prayer".

English original	Hausa translation	Igbo translation
I 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. II Oh God of creation, Direct our noble cause Guide thou 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.

Yoruba translation	Fulani translation	Tyap translation

National Pledge

The Nigerian pledge of allegiance is recited immediately after the playing of the Nigerian national anthem. It was written by Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in 1976.

English original	Hausa translation	Yoruba translation	Tyap translation
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.	Na yi wa Najeriya alƙawarin ƙasata Don zama mai aminci, mai aminci da gaskiya Don yiwa Najeriya hidima da dukkan ƙarfina Don kare hadin kan ta da kuma kare mutuncin ta da daukakar ta Don haka ku taimake ni Allah.	Mo ṣeleri fun Nàìjíríà orilẹ-ede mi Lati jẹ ol loyaltọ aduroṣinṣin ati otitọ Lati fi gbogbo ipa sin Nàìjíríà Lati daabobo isokan rẹ Ki o si gbe iyi ati ogo rẹ ga Nitorina ran mi lọwọ Ọlọrun.	N da̱p a̱nu ma̱ng Naijeriya, a̱byin nung ka. N nyia̱ a̱cucuk, n nwuak a̱pyia̱ nung, n nyia̱ tsotswat. N nyia̱ Naijeriya ta̱m ma̱ng a̱lyia̱ a̱nyiung. N cok mun a̱pyia̱ nji hu. A̱wot, n di̱n a̱ma shi nji hu ma̱ng yet nji hu, Mat a̱nia, A̱gwaza beang nung.