Before 1978, Nigeria had a different national anthem which was titled "Nigeria, We Hail Thee." Composed by Lillian Jean Williams and written by Frances Berda, it reflected the aspirations and unity of the newly independent nation. As signed recently by the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, though with varied reaction across the country, Here are the lyrics of this historical anthem:

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 honoured,
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.