Following the alteration in the national anthem, musician Brymo hailed President Tinubu as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) among Nigeria’s past presidents.
The singer made this declaration via an Instagram Story post on May 30, 2024. He shared the lyrics of the old national anthem, particularly highlighting the first stanza, and drew parallels between Africa, Nigeria, and the concept of “polygamy” within a “family unit.”
In his statement, Brymo expressed his admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the lyrics of the new national anthem. He praised the first stanza for emphasizing Nigeria as the motherland and Africa as the fatherland, symbolizing unity akin to a family unit. Brymo particularly resonated with the line “In brotherhood, we stand,” suggesting that Nigeria represents the ultimate brotherhood for every ambitious individual in the country.
The recent approval by the Senate and the House of Representatives to change the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” garnered diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media. President Tinubu subsequently signed the bill into law on May 29, 2024, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s 4th Republic.
The swift reversion to the previous national anthem sparked various sentiments among Nigerians, ranging from confusion and anger to happiness. Notable Nigerian celebrities, including Lillian Jean Williams and Frances Berda, also shared their perspectives on the change. Pa Benedict Odiase, the composer of “Arise, O Compatriots,” originally adopted in 1978, remains a significant figure in Nigeria’s national anthem history.
