The Nigerian National Anthem ‘Arise, O compatriots” was composed by the Nigeria Police Band led by Benedict Odiase.
Lyrics written by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe.
It replaced the former anthem “Nigeria, we hail thee” in 1978.
The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.
