The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Iziguzo, stated that the new anthem embodies the essence of being Nigerian.
Iziguzo expressed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
“Considering Nigeria’s diverse languages and tribes, this anthem unites us despite our differences.
“The new anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee,’ reflects our identity as one nation with a shared destiny.
“However, I believe the old and new anthems should have been reviewed side by side first.
“If the president and members of the National Assembly decide to revert to the old anthem, why not?
“After all, it emphasizes our unity despite our diverse tribes and tongues. So be it,” Iziguzo emphasized.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on May 29.
The return of the old anthem sparked mixed reactions, with some critics labeling it as a “misplaced priority” given the numerous challenges facing Nigerians.
Tinubu stated that reinstating the old national anthem was a priority for him.
He made this known during a meeting on Thursday with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of protecting and celebrating Nigeria’s diversity, adding that the country’s population should not be viewed as a burden.
“But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that,” he said.
