Nigeria, we hail thee, (National Anthem 1960-­1978)


"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 honour'd,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,

Grant this our one request,

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed,

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed."


I remember singing the first verse of this song every morning in elementary school in honor of a great nation, my country;  Nigeria.


 A country called the ’Giant of Africa’. Oh how I loved those words!  I remember clearly how singing our National Anthem daily made me feel a sense of duty and obligation to the nation. A sense of  togetherness in a nation where we were all to stand in unity, love and truth.


I remember holding hands with my friends who were Edos, Yorubas, Hausas, Urhobos, Esans, Itshekiris,  Ibos, Afemias…to  name a few. What beautiful memories these words hold.


I remember running to the kiosk at break time to get a snack of either meat pie or egg roll with a cold bottle of Fanta of Coke. Those were the good old days.


Nigeria I hail you today still.

You are still my own dear native land

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

Let us help one another to stand in brotherhood

Help us this day O God to let truth and justice reign

Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed

We are grateful for the plenty that you have blessed us with

Grant us peace today and bless our land forevermore. Amen!!


What gives me great joy today, will not do so for many children in elementary school anymore.


The economy of this great nation has known some troubled times. The challenges this great nation face today has affected many children. Children who are helpless and deserve better. Children who would benefit greatly from one meal a day at school.


The vulnerable will always experience the worst of every situation. As a result, we are crying out to everyone who remembers this National Anthem to help us hold hands again and join us feed elementary school age children in Africa one school at a time from East to West, South to North. Let us hand that  banner of love to our children without stain.


Today, I hold hands with friends and family all over the world, especially in America; the great country that has been my home and land for almost twenty‐six years and I humbly ask you to help us to make a  difference in the life of one child by supporting Lunch for Kids Africa Inc.


God Bless you!

Iguoala Girolamo

Executive Director

Lunch For Africa Kids,Inc.