The Daily Service, a newspaper run by the Yoruba organisation Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà, started a rebellious campaign against the national anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition. A symbol of American patriotism, The Star-Spangled Banner makes young and old stand proud of their country, and everything it represents. USA National Anthem Lyrics at Lyrics On Demand. When "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was first announced, the new national anthem faced criticism for a number of reasons. The original version began, Australia’s sons let us rejoice, rather than the current, Australians all let us rejoice. It’s not the first time the lyrics have changed. There is little basis for the legend that the tune of our national anthem was an old English drinking song. The second national anthem, " Arise, O Compatriots," replaced "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" in 1978. Advance Australian Fair, composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878, was adopted as the national anthem after a plebiscite in 1977. Welsh National Anthem - Hen Wlad fy Nhadau was performed for the first time at the vestry of Tabor Chapel, Maesteg by 16-year-old Elizabeth John. Oh say can you see by the dawns early light. Frances Berda composed the music for "Nigeria, We Hail Thee." The anthem's lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence.
"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was adopted as Nigeria's first national anthem on October 1, 1960.