“Nigeria, We Hail Thee”: Why Oby Ezekwesili, Others Will Sing New Anthem, FG Speaks

• Bola Tinubu’s government is hopeful that Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, former education minister and others who openly rejected the new national anthem would have a change of mind
• Speaking on behalf of the government, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the DG of the National Orientation Agency said the reintroduced anthem is melodious, hence critics would fall in love with it
• The NOA DG unveiled the standardised version of the old national anthem in Abuja on Wednesday and urged Nigerians to pay attention to the words in lines three and five

TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence that those who opposed the new national anthem would soon join in singing it.

Tinubu’s led government is certain Oby Ezekwesili and others who rejected the old national anthem would reconsider their decision.
Photo credit: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Obiageli Oby EzekwesiliSource: Facebook

FG shares plan for Ezekwesili, others who rejected national anthem

The director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, June 5, in Abuja.

As reported by The Nation, Issa-Onilu also announced that the agency will soon be inviting submissions for the production of the authentic melody for the anthem.

Recall that on May 29, President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, reinstating the old anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

In a statement posted on her X account, the former minister of education, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili said she will continue singing the previous national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots.”

But on Wednesday, the DG of the NOA, emphasised that the current national pledge remains valid.

He, however, refuted the report circulating on social media that the federal government allocated over N800 billion for the campaign for the new national anthem, stating that no allocation has been set aside for the campaign as rumoured on social media.

FG releases standardised lyrics of reintroduced national anthem

TheTalk.NG reported that on Wednesday, June 5, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), unveiled the approved version of the reintroduced national anthem.

Lanre Issa-Onilu, the director-general of the NOA, unveiled the standardized version of the anthem in Abuja and urged Nigerians to pay attention to the words in lines three and five of the national anthem that was reintroduced, The Punch reported.

He said: “Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President.”

Source: TheTalk.NG

Nigerian Governor Announces State-Wide Fast to End Boko Haram Terror

Residents of Borno state on Monday observed one-day fasting to seek divine intervention to end Boko Haram menace in the state The spiritual exercise came in response to a statewide broadcast by Governor Babagana Zulum, who urged all residents, Muslims and Christians, to fast and pray for peace in Borno This was after the governor ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Wife and Mother of Nigerian Bandit Kingpin Allegedly Arrested in Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities have reportedly arrested the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders, in the holy city of Medina Their capture, linked to a network of fugitives tied to Nigeria’s Northwest insurgency, adds a startling international dimension to the country’s fight against organized crime This operation marks a potential ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Just In: Tinubu Addresses Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Rome

President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to utilise the country’s diversity to secure its stability and rapid development The president also urged leaders at all levels in the country to use their position for the country for the betterment of the nation President Tinubu made the call while addressing members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Many Feared Dead in Fatal Accident Along Abuja-Keffi Expressway

Many feared dead in another fatal accident at the popular Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi expressway The tragic incident occurred on Monday, May 19, 2025, barely 24 hours after a fatal crash claimed lives at the same location the Abuja-Keffi expressway is a major federal road that links Benue and Plateau states from the Federal ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Nigerians React as Tinubu Breaks Protocol For His ADC, Video Trends

President Bola Tinubu has again made Nigerians talk about his unconventional action after breaking the protocol for his ADC Tinubu’s ADC, during a visit by the Alaafin and some traditional rulers to the presidential villa, was given the platform to address the visitors The president’s action has started generating reactions from some Nigerians who have ... Read more Continue reading here ▶