"[5][6] In 2024, Tolu Ogunlesi identified that Benda was a pen name for Mrs Charles Kernot, a private music teacher and professional pianist at the Carol Hill School of Classical Ballet in London.

[4] Her composition was chosen by judges including Professor Fela Sowande, O. Omideyi, Thomas King Ekundayo Phillips, Wilberforce Echezona, M.C.

Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all, Are proud to serve our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol That truth and justice reign, In peace or battle honoured, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children A banner without stain.

Tutar mu za ta zama alama Wannan gaskiya da adalci suna mulki A cikin aminci ko yaƙi girmama', Kuma wannan muna ƙidaya a matsayin riba, Don mika wa yaranmu Banner ba tare da tabo ba.

The Daily Service, a newspaper run by the Yoruba organisation Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà, started a campaign against the national anthem, which led to a committee being established to collect signatures as a petition.

[12] Following its readoption in 2024, the song was again criticised for the lack of consultation in passing the law designating it as the national anthem and for what was perceived to be misplaced priorities by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

[13][14] A video of political activist Aisha Yesufu circulated online where she refused to recite "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" as the new national anthem.