By Ethan Chijioke James
A national anthem is a rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group or country. Most nations have anthems, including Nigeria.
Our old anthem, which was changed not long ago, emphasized unity and identity which are the core purposes of most national anthems.
What makes an anthem special is how it transcends tribal differences. No matter where you’re from in Nigeria, you should know your national anthem.
For instance, if I visit a random primary school in Nigeria, the chances of students knowing their anthem are much higher than not knowing it. This demonstrates how an anthem represents our shared identity.
The Nigerian anthem shows we are Nigerians, evoking feelings of solidarity and patriotism among our country’s people.
From the anthems I know, they serve to encourage the improvement of the country and invoke blessings upon it. Our new anthem also emphasizes unity and identity, but it focuses more on our wishes and prayers for the nation.
Although I prefer the lyrics of our current anthem, I’m not sure if changing it was necessary.
In my opinion, Nigeria’s anthem serves both as encouragement and a prayer. When it says, “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,” it’s encouraging us to overcome our differences.
Given the challenges Nigeria faces, we need both blessings for our country and encouragement for citizens to make positive changes.
I believe every country needs an anthem because it truly represents our identity and motivates us as citizens to make a difference. It reminds us of our shared hopes and dreams for our nation.
■ Ethan, a 12-year-old, wrote from Abuja
