In the heart of Africa, amidst the vibrant rhythms of its people and the kaleidoscope of its cultures, Nigeria stands as a beacon of promise and potential. With a rich history shaped by diversity and resilience, the nation navigates through turbulent waters, striving to forge a path towards unity and progress. Yet, in a surprising twist of fate, Nigeria finds itself at a crossroad, grappling with the decision to revert to its old anthem—a decision bristling with implications and the weight of uncertainty.

The Nigerian national anthem is more than just a melody; it is a symphony of the nation's collective aspirations, a testament to its struggles and triumph, and a pledge of allegiance to its shared destiny. The anthem abandoned was composed in 1978 by the renowned Nigerian composer Pa Odiase, the anthem encapsulated the spirit of a young nation striving to overcome the shadows of its colonial past and embrace a future of freedom and prosperity. Its lyrics, infused with hope and resilience, spoke to the hearts of millions, serving as a rallying cry for unity and progress.

However, in just recent days, a chorus of dissent has emerged--from our representatives at the National Assembly, calling for the restoration of the old anthem—a relic of a bygone era. Proponents argue that the old anthem better captures the essence of Nigeria's cultural heritage, democratic affinity and traditions, evoking a sense of nostalgia and belonging that resonates deeply with its citizens. They point to the soaring melodies and poignant lyrics as symbols of national pride and identity, urging for a return to a time when Nigeria stood tall and united.

Yet, beneath the surface lies a discordant truth—a truth that speaks to the complexities and contradictions of Nigeria's past and present. For while the old anthem may evoke feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality, it also carries with it the weight of history—a history marred by slavery, division, oppression, and inequality. Its lyrics, crafted by a foreigner, in a different time and context, reflect a narrative that is at odds with the ideals of inclusivity and progress that Nigeria strives to uphold today.

To revert to the old anthem is to turn a blind eye to the strides that Nigeria has made towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. It is to ignore the voices of marginalized communities whose stories have been silenced and overlooked for far too long. It is to perpetuate a narrative of exclusion and division that undermines the very fabric of Nigerian identity.

Moreover, the decision to revert to the old anthem sends a troubling message to the international community—a message that Nigeria is unwilling to confront its past and embrace a future built on principles of independence, justice and equality. In a world increasingly interconnected and interdependent, such regressive actions only serve to erode Nigeria's standing on the global stage, tarnishing its reputation and undermining its ability to forge meaningful partnerships and alliances.

But perhaps the most profound consequence of reverting to the old anthem is the impact it will have on the psyche of Nigeria's youth—the custodians of its future. For a generation raised on ideals of diversity and inclusivity, the embrace of a relic from the past threatens to sow seeds of doubt and disillusionment, casting a shadow over their hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow.

In the end, the question of whether Nigeria should revert to its old anthem is not simply a matter of musical preference or cultural nostalgia—it is a question of identity and values, of who we are as a nation and who we aspire to be. It is a question that demands careful consideration and thoughtful reflection, lest we find ourselves lost in the nostalgia of our past, unable to chart a course towards a brighter future.

As the sun sets on the horizon, casting its golden glow over the vast expanse of Nigeria's landscape, let us remember that the true essence of our nation lies not in the melodies of our anthems, but in the resilience of our people, the richness of our cultures, and the diversity of our voices. Let us strive to build a Nigeria that embraces its past while looking towards the future—a Nigeria that sings in harmony with the hopes and aspirations of all its citizens.

Emmanuel Williams

Human rights and Transitional Justice Practitioner.