By CHUNG GYANG RAHWOL
SINCE President Ahmed Tinubu assented to the adoption of Nigeria’s old national anthem, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’, to replace the existing one, ‘Arise O Compatriots’, Nigerians have expressed very divergent views about this move. In fact, it would not be amiss to state that this seemingly ’harmless’ policy has sharply divided Nigerians. There are those who feel that Nigeria has much more serious national issues to contend with at the moment than the replacement of a national anthem. Others say that resorting to the old one was akin to falling victim of colonial mentality which does not see anything good in ideas that emanate from Nigerians.
But in all of these and many other debates, there is yet another alternative that has received very little attention – the idea of dual or even multiple national anthems. Yes, why should Nigeria not have dual national anthems? Let’s explore this rather strange, but not uncommon, practice.
In trying to find a middle ground, we can point out the merits of both anthems and propose a solution that honours Nigeria’s musical heritage while acknowledging its past and present.
That said, proponents of “Nigeria We Hail Thee” argue that it embodies the nation’s cultural essence, with lyrics that pay tribute to Nigeria’s rich history and diverse heritage. The anthem’s nostalgic value is undeniable, evoking memories of a unified Nigeria during the struggle for independence. Its re-adoption would reconnect Nigerians with their past, celebrating their nation’s achievements and progress.
Supporters of ’Arise, O Compatriots’, on the other side, argue that it reflects Nigeria’s growth and evolution since independence. The anthem’s focus on unity, peace, and prosperity resonates with Nigerians, fostering a sense of national pride and identity. Its adoption in 1978 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s development, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to progress and unity.
But, rather than pitting one anthem against the other, Nigeria can adopt a dual-anthem approach, recognizing the value of both ’Nigeria We Hail Thee’ and ‘Arise, O Compatriots’. This approach would allow Nigerians to celebrate their rich cultural heritage while acknowledging their nation’s progress and growth.
The implementation of a dual national anthem can take various forms. For instance, ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ could be used for official events, such as independence celebrations and national ceremonies, while ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ could be reserved for cultural and historical events to celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
Schools and universities could teach both anthems, emphasizing their historical and cultural significance.
The phenomenon of dual or multiple national anthems is a fascinating aspect of national identity and symbolism. While most countries have a single national anthem, some nations have adopted multiple anthems to represent different aspects of their history, culture, language, or politics.
Countries or nations can have two or more national anthems due to historical reasons. Some countries have retained their royal or traditional anthems, which were adopted during the monarchical period, in addition to their national anthems.
For instance, the United Kingdom has both ‘God Save the King/Queen’ and the national anthems of the constituent countries such as ‘Flower of Scotland and ’Hen Wlad Fawr’ (Land of My Fathers) for Scotland and Wales, respectively. This dual anthem system acknowledges the country’s monarchical past while also recognizing the distinct cultural identities of its constituent nations.
’God Save the King/Queen’ dates back to the 18th century when it was written as a tribute to King George II. The song gained popularity and became the de facto national anthem of the United Kingdom. However, as the country evolved and the constituent nations gained more autonomy, separate national anthems were adopted to reflect their unique cultural identities.
Political factors can also influence the adoption of dual or multiple national anthems. Some countries that are devolved into multiple constituent states have their own official musical compositions for them. For example, Russia has both the national anthem and the anthem of the Soviet Union, which is still widely recognized and celebrated. Similarly, the Soviet Union had both the national anthem and the Internationale, which was the anthem of the international communist movement.
The political context of a country can also influence the adoption of multiple national anthems. South Africa, for example, has both the national anthem and the anthem of the African National Congress (ANC), which is a symbol of the country’s struggle against apartheid. The ANC anthem, ’Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ (God Bless Africa), is an important part of South African cultural heritage and is often sung alongside the national anthem.
Dual or multiple national anthems can also be attributed to cultural reasons. Some countries have different songs that represent different aspects of their culture, history or people. For example, Israel has both the national anthem, ’Hatikvah’ (The Hope), and an additional anthem, ‘HaTikvah’ (The Hope), which is sung in Yiddish. This acknowledges the country’s diverse linguistic heritage and the importance of Yiddish in Israeli culture.
Because language is an essential aspect of a nation’s culture, having multiple national anthems can reflect the linguistic diversity of a country. For instance, Canada has both the national anthem, “O Canada,” and the French version, ‘Ô Canada’. This recognizes the country’s bilingual heritage and the importance of both languages in Canadian culture.
Language is another factor that contributes to the adoption of multiple national anthems. Some countries have multiple languages and therefore different anthems to represent each language group. For example, Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh – and each language group has its own national anthem.
Finally, some countries have different anthems for different occasions or contexts. For instance, Italy has both the national anthem, ‘Il Canto degli Italiani’ (The Song of the Italians), and ’Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy), which is sung on special occasions such as military parades and national holidays. Similarly, Spain has both the national anthem, ‘La Marcha Real’ (The Royal March), and ’Himno de Riego’ (Riego’s Anthem), which is sung on certain occasions such as military ceremonies.
Certainly, Nigeria’s national anthem debate presents an opportunity for the nation to reflect on its history, cultural heritage and progress. By embracing both ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ and ’Arise, O Compatriots,’ Nigeria can honour its past, celebrate its present and look towards a united and prosperous future. The dual-anthem approach offers a middle ground, reconciling the nation’s musical heritage with its aspirations for progress and unity.
Rahwol, a public affairs analyst, writes from Bukuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State.
