Dear Late Pa Benedict Odiase,
I pen this letter with a heavy heart, knowing that you are no longer among us. Your legacy, however, lives on through the powerful words and melody of the Nigerian national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.” As the composer of this stirring anthem, you etched your name into the annals of our nation’s history.
Yet, I must share with you the news that has left many Nigerians disheartened: the anthem you crafted with such care and devotion has been discarded. Our leaders, in their wisdom, or perhaps their lack thereof, have chosen to revert to the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Your anthem, Pa Odiase, resonated with millions. It echoed in stadiums, schools, and government halls. It united us during moments of celebration and solemnity. Its lyrics, imbued with hope, unity, and progress, stirred our souls. We sang it with pride, believing that its message would guide our nation toward a brighter future.
But alas, the winds of change blew, and the anthem faced scrutiny. Some argued that the old anthem held deeper emotional connections, while others questioned the need for change. Amid debates, the Senate passed a bill, and the anthem we cherished was relegated to memory.
PaOdiase, your anthem was more than mere words and notes. It symbolized our collective dreams, our resilience, and our shared identity. It stood for unity in diversity, for the promise of a better Nigeria. Yet, as you look down upon us, you would find that symbolism alone cannot mend our broken healthcare system, combat corruption, or fix our crumbling infrastructure.
In your absence, we raise our voices not only in song but also in demand. We seek leaders who prioritize substance over symbolism. Let us honor your memory by demanding effective governance, transparency, and accountability. Let us remind our representatives that the anthem is not our sole concern, it is the well-being of our people, the fight against corruption, and the pursuit of justice.
Pa Odiase, your anthem may have been discarded, but its spirit lives on. As Nigerians, we must rise above this setback. Let us channel our energies toward building a nation worthy of your lyrical odes. Your legacy endures, and we shall continue to sing, not just with our voices but with our actions.
In the next few days, specifically on June 11, 2024 your Death Anniversary would be marked as you left this world on June 11, 2013. Rest in peace, Maestro. Your anthem may have faded from official use, but its echoes will forever resonate in our hearts.
At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “Who was Pa Benedict Odiase?” It is expedient to respond the foregoing question in this context as way of enlightening those who might have heard about his patriotic contribution to Nigeria.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to enlighten that Pa Benedict Odiase lived from August 25, 1934 to June 11, 2013, and was a Nigerian composer who composed the now replaced national anthem of Nigeria, titled “Arise, O Compatriots” This anthem, adopted in 1978, replaced the country’s previous national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. Pa Odiase was born in 1934 and raised in Midwestern region of Nigeria, now Edo State.
He served in the Nigerian Police Force from 1954 to 1992 and held the position of Music Director for both the Nigerian Police Band and the Mid-West State Police Band. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Order of the Niger (OON) in December 2001. Pa Benedict Odiase passed away after a brief illness on June 11, 2013, at the age of 78. His legacy lives on through the anthem that continues to resonate with Nigerians, even as it symbolizes their hopes and aspirations.
