Pa Odiase, Composer of “Arise, O Compatriots” is Dead

Pa Benedict Odiase, MON, the composer of the current Nigeria National Anthem is dead.

From our former National Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee” , Nigeria adopted the current National anthem “Arise O Compatriots”. Many people don’t know the origin of this anthem, we just sing it.

It was adopted in 1978, and replaced Nigeria, We Hail Thee. 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.

Here is the lyrics of the Anthem:

“Arise, O Compatriots” (1978–present)

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.

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 reign.