As we celebrate our 52nd independence, I want Nigerians to equally use the opportunity to compare our old and current national anthems and share views.
It beats my imagination as to the reason behind the change in our Independence National Anthem. Is it the lyrics, the musical beat, the rhythm or the composer. In all these, I have not seen where to choose the new as against the old. That the composer Lillian Jean Williams (a British expatriate who lived here at the time) is not a Nigerian is just but too primitive to give as a reason. The cars we drive, the televisions we watch, the handsets we use, the computers we use, the football we play are all not Nigerian, so I consider it less a reason.
Share your views.
Happy Independence guys.

THE OLD:
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribe and tounge may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigeria all and proud to serve
Our sovereign motherland

Our flag shall be the symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace and battle honour
And this we count as gain
To pass unto our children
As 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

THE NEW:
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

Oh God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide 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.