Prominent Nigerian celebrities have voiced their disapproval on social media regarding the government's decision to restore the old national anthem, 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee,' amidst the nation's ongoing economic difficulties.

Renowned Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has publicly expressed his reservations about the reinstatement of the old anthem, which was officially signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Gold suggested that 'Great Nation,' a song by his fellow artist Timi Dakolo, would be a more fitting choice for the national anthem.

On his social media page, Gold questioned, “No one thought Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation makes a better anthem?”

Similarly, Nollywood star Kate Henshaw has openly criticized the Tinubu administration's decision to revert to the old anthem.

Henshaw highlighted the inopportune timing of this change, arguing that the government should focus on addressing the country's economic challenges rather than altering the national anthem.

Through her social media account, Henshaw lamented, “In the midst of excoriating hardship & lack of good governance on every level but not to worry, going back to a colonial anthem will be a soothing balm and inject patriotism back into our veins, a much-needed drug.”

In a poignant follow-up post, Henshaw reflected, “The labour of our heroes past… o ti lo [is gone].”

Joeboy, also displeased with the actions of the Tinubu-led government, expressed concerns about the leaders' priorities.

Taking to his social media page, he wrote: "Of all the problems Nigerians have to deal with, changing the national anthem is a priority? Okay then."

The celebrities' remarks have sparked a wave of reactions across various social media platforms.

@jachukwu wrote, “If they were truly looking for an anthem that will steer up patriotism and love for the country it would have been that song.”

@CarmillaXander said, “Absolutely yes, that song could make the least patriotic Nigerian stand up and go ‘sasageyo’.”

@Tyekooon opined, “The lyrics are too deep for an unserious country, hence.”

@xybox wrote, “It would make a beautiful anthem.

“When these old meddling politicians have left this world, I hope the future legislators will denounce this colonial special number of theirs and adopt ‘Great Nation’.”

@BFMPLUS said, “Yes but it still carries the disputable and derogatory word: Tribe!!
We should stop describing ourselves as tribal people.

“No whiteman ever allows himself to be called tribe.”