Popular singer Teniola Apata, known simply as Teni, has responded to the change of Nigeria's national anthem.
According to HENRYSHUSTLE, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on Wednesday, reinstating the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
In her reaction, Teni expressed that she would miss the replaced national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” noting that she had many childhood memories associated with it.
On her X handle, Teni wrote: “Arise o compatriots, I’ll miss you, thank you for so many childhood memories. Till we meet again, love SM.”
“Arise, O Compatriots” was adopted as Nigeria’s national anthem in 1978. Its lyrics were composed by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe. The anthem was performed by the Nigeria Police Band under the direction of B. E. Odiasse.
With the signing of the National Anthem Bill 2024 by President Tinubu, “Arise, O Compatriots” has been officially replaced by the former anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”