NIGERIA NATIONAL ANTHEMS

"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in 1978, and replaced the previous anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.^[1] The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.
"Arise, O Compatriots" (1978–present)
stanza 1:

Arise, O compatriots,

Nigeria's call obey

To serve our Fatherland

With love and strength and faith.

The labor of our heroes past

Shall never be in vain,

To serve with heart and might

One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

stanza 2: O 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.

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" (1960-1978)

Nigeria, we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

In brotherhood we stand,

Nigerians all are proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honour'd,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A 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.

Customs

The Nigerian National Anthem is usually performed at major events having to do with national pride, such as the President's address, major sporting events and at school where it is usually accompanied by Nigeria's National Pledge.
Nigeria's National Pledge
The National Pledge of Nigeria is recited immediately after the Anthem

I pledge to Nigeria my country,

To be faithful, loyal and honest,

To serve Nigeria with all my strength,

To defend her unity,

And uphold her honor and glory,

So help me God.