By Reinstatement of the Nigerian Old National Anthem: A Heartbreaking Misstep By Ikenna C. Ezenwa
The decision by the government to revert to the old national anthem feels like a betrayal to the suffering hearts of Nigerians. On Wednesday, 29 May 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, seeking to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” into law, shifting from the “Arise, O Compatriots.” But this comes at a time when we, the people, are drowning in despair, hunger, and the relentless terror of bandits and terrorists. This piece highlights the challenges we face as Nigerians, and concludes that the decision is but a mere misplaced priority.
First, Economic and Social Challenges: Our nation bleeds from economic wounds—unemployment, poverty, inflation—the scars of which are etched on every Nigerian’s soul. We cry out for better healthcare, education, and security, but our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears. How can they prioritize an anthem over our desperate cries for help?
Second, Symbolism over Substance: While anthems hold sentimental value, they cannot fill the empty stomachs of hungry children or provide shelter for the homeless. We need action, not symbolism. The government’s obsession with symbols blinds them to the real struggles of everyday Nigerians.
Third, Cost Implications: Every naira spent on changing anthems is a slap in the face to those who struggle to make ends meet. We scrape by, living hand to mouth, while they squander our resources on frivolous gestures.
Fourth, Historical Context: Reverting to the old anthem feels like a step backward—a denial of the progress we’ve made as a nation. We’ve fought tooth and nail to overcome our challenges, yet they want to drag us back into the darkness of the past. It’s a betrayal of our resilience, our hope for a better future.
In conclusion, the decision to reinstate the old national anthem is not just misguided; it’s a slap in the face to every Nigerian who suffers silently, hoping for a glimmer of hope. We deserve better, but until our leaders open their eyes and see our pain, we will continue to suffer in silence.
IKENNA CHINAGOROM EZENWA is a 400 level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, ESUT
