Nigeria’s president has taken a controversial step by signing a bill into law that changes the national anthem, a move that has generates alot of controversy with many Nigerians slamming the president’s decision amid the economic hardship in nigeria.

The “new” anthem is a retroversion to the version used from 1960 to 1978, a period marked by national unity and a sense of purpose. This change has raised questions about the president’s motives, the role of government in shaping national identity, and the ability of a change in anthem to address the country’s pressing problems.

Read also Opinion: How The Minister Could Have Strategize to Cut Electricity Waste and Budget, Not Hike Tariffs

The old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” was composed by two British women, Lilian Jean Williams and Frances Berda, while “Arise, O Compatriots” was created by five Nigerian police band members. The latter has been sung and celebrated globally for nearly five decades, becoming an integral part of Nigerian identity. The swift passage of the bill through parliament, within just a week, has fueled suspicions of a hidden agenda.

Ruling party supporters argue that the old anthem helped shape national identity and unity, evoking feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years. However, many Nigerians are upset and skeptical, seeing the sudden change as a desperate attempt to distract from the country’s failures. They argue that the government should focus on addressing pressing issues like corruption, poverty, and political instability battling the country rather than changing the anthem.

Why Was The National Anthem Changed? despite many Nigerians making mockery of the national anthem President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with ethnic, religious, and tribal tensions, which have polarized the nation and hindered its progress. The country is almost divided, with different groups pitted against each other, and politicians prioritizing tribe and ethnicity over good governance and the nation’s well-being. As part of the national anthem lyrics “Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland”it’s of significance important that the president is calling for unity, cooperation and peace among different tribe and ethnic group, government officials both in local and national level in Nigeria which is needed for the progress of the country.

The debate over the national anthem serves as a reminder of the need for a more profound and inclusive approach to nation-building. Nigeria needs a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues, promotes national unity, and fosters a sense of purpose. The government must engage in dialogue with citizens, address the pressing problems, and demonstrate its commitment to the nation’s progress.

In conclusion, the change in national anthem has sparked a national conversation about identity, unity, and the role of government in shaping the nation’s destiny. While some see the move as a positive step towards reconciliation and healing, others view it as a cosmetic change that fails to address the underlying issues. Nigeria needs a more profound approach to nation-building, one that prioritizes national unity, good governance, and the well-being of all citizens.

Read also Opinion: Can The Returning Of Fuel Subsidy Returns Nigeria’s Economy Back To Its Previous Level? Lets Discuss It

Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, proud to serve
Our sovereign motherland
Our flag shall be a symbol
Of freedom and of might
In peace and unity we’ll stand
To build a nation great and strong
And ever loyal we shall be
To our dear native land
Nigeria, we hail thee.

Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has outlined that the recent hike in electricity tariffs is a step-by-step approach towards phasing out subsidies in the power sector.

The government aims to encourage greater investment, establish tariffs that reflect the true costs for consumers, bolster the financial health of the sector, and ultimately enhance the reliability of electricity provision.

The minister argued that the government had to increase electricity prices because the existing subsidies were becoming too expensive to maintain. He noted that the subsidies were taking up an increasing share of the national budget, and that this money could be better spent on other public services.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the price increase would have an impact on consumers, but he stressed that it was a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability of the power sector.

He also mentioned that many people waste electricity even when it’s not serving any useful purpose. For example, they may leave appliances on when they’re not using them, or they may overuse appliances that aren’t necessary.

How could the minister of power solve these problems, reduce the budget without hiking electricity tariffs?

One possible solution would be to implement a system of incentives and penalties to encourage more responsible use of electricity by consumers. For example, the government could offer rebates or discounts for those who reduce their consumption during peak hours, or penalties for those who use excessive amounts of electricity.

This could be coupled with public education campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of responsible electricity use.

Moreover, the government could invest in technologies and infrastructure that allow for more efficient use of electricity, such as smart meters and more efficient appliances. This would help to reduce overall consumption without the need for price increases.