The recent legislative decision to resurrect the archaic anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” with the subsequent presidential assent, represents a profoundly misguided and retrogressive move. This decision, cloaked in a veneer of nostalgia, fails to appreciate the nuanced and complex identity of contemporary Nigeria. The anthem’s lyrics, replete with archaic terminology such as “tribe” and “native,” only serve to reinforce antiquated and divisive conceptions of our national identity, potentially exacerbating socio-cultural tensions rather than fostering unity.
The term “tribe” is particularly problematic, as it carries with it colonial-era connotations of primitiveness and savagery. In modern sociopolitical discourse, “tribe” has largely been supplanted by “ethnic group,” a term that recognizes the sophisticated social structures, rich cultures, and historical depth of Nigeria’s diverse peoples. The persistence of “tribe” in the anthem is not merely a matter of semantics; it is a vestige of colonial subjugation that undermines the dignity and humanity of millions of Nigerians.
Moreover, the word “native” is similarly fraught with derogatory implications, evoking images of subordination and backwardness. To describe the indigenous peoples of Nigeria as “natives” is to perpetuate a narrative of inferiority and subservience, a narrative that should have been discarded along with the colonial chains that bound us. In an era where national identity should be built upon mutual respect and recognition of our shared heritage, such regressive terminology is wholly unacceptable.
It is perplexing and disheartening that our legislators and president would endorse a measure that so clearly disregards the progressive strides Nigeria has made since its independence. This decision is an affront to the values of inclusivity and equality that underpin our democracy. It appears to be an attempt to romanticize a past that was marred by oppression and division, rather than celebrating the vibrant and dynamic nation Nigeria has become.
Our national anthem should be a reflection of our collective aspirations and the progressive values we hold dear. It should inspire pride, unity, and a sense of common purpose. By reinstating an anthem that fails to resonate with contemporary sensibilities and perpetuates outdated stereotypes, our leaders have done a disservice to the Nigerian people. It is a step backwards, not towards the future we strive to build—a future characterized by mutual respect, unity in diversity, and a rejection of all forms of discrimination.
In conclusion, the reinstatement of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the national anthem is a deeply regrettable decision. It underscores a lack of sensitivity to the evolving dynamics of Nigerian identity and a disregard for the importance of language in shaping our national consciousness. It is imperative that this decision be reconsidered, and that a more inclusive, forward-looking anthem be adopted—one that truly reflects the richness and diversity of Nigeria and fosters a sense of unity and pride among all its citizens.
Sam Eno, PhD, wrote in from Abuja
