The Federal Executive Council has endorsed the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the new National Prayer, replacing the current one.
This new prayer will be used during official functions and is part of broader efforts to restore dignity to national symbols.
Alongside this, the Council also approved the restoration of dignity and standardization of national symbols, such as the national flag, coat of arms , national anthem, and national pledge.
Council approved that the first stanza of the National Anthem should be rendered at all official functions, while the three stanzas should be for special occasions, such as `Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers Day.
The former national prayer was the second stanza of the old anthem, Arise O Compatriots:
Oh God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.
The new national prayer is the third stanza of the new anthem, Nigeria We Hail Thee:
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.
