In a historic move in 1978, under the military leadership of General Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria transitioned its national anthem from "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" to "Arise, O Compatriots."

This change was symbolic of a broader desire to foster a sense of national unity and ownership.

The new anthem was the creation of Benedict Odiase, a distinguished former police officer with a tenure spanning from 1954 to 1992.

Odiase, who also held the prestigious roles of Music Director for both the Nigerian Police Band and the Mid-West State Police Band, was charged with the task of composing the anthem, drawing from the collective work of five esteemed writers.

These writers, P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike, emerged as the victors in a national competition, their entries forming the lyrics that would come to resonate with millions.

The impetus behind adopting "Arise, O Compatriots" was a concerted effort to promote national identity, particularly as the composer of the preceding anthem was not of Nigerian origin.

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British lyricist residing in Nigeria during its transition to independence, with Frances Berda composing the music.

However, the anthem "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" saw its official status revoked after 18 years, in 1978.

It remained in suspense until May 29, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu enacted legislation reinstating it as the national anthem, marking a return to the original anthem adopted at Nigeria's independence on October 1, 1960.

The bill, championed by House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, navigated through the legislative process with remarkable speed, passing through readings and committee approvals before being ratified at a plenary session on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Titled "Bill For An Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for Matters Related Thereto," the legislation decrees that, upon commencement, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" shall be reinstated as the national anthem, as outlined in the schedule of the proposed act.