The composer of the current National Anthem, Arise O Compatriots, Pa Benedict Odiase, MON, is dead.
Mr Odiase died Tuesday night in his sleep. He composed Arise O Compatriots” in May 1978.
Pa Odiase retired in 1992 as a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being the Director of Music with the Nigeria Police Band.
“Arise, O Compatriots” replaced Nigeria, We Hail Thee. 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 Pa Odiase.
What a great hero! rest in perfect peace papa
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace! You will forever be remembered by generation of Nigerians, even those yet to be born.
ReplyDeleteGreat icon R.I.P..
ReplyDeleteMay your soul rest in perfect peace Pa Benedict Odiase, your legacy will live-on to unknown generation.
ReplyDeletemay ur gentle soul rest in perfect peace papa.u shall neva b 4gotten.
ReplyDeleteWat a hero of our gr8 nation has departd we live to c u again in d apradice of d most high. R.I.P our hero 1 whch is go 4 evry in dis lif of sin.
ReplyDeleteR. I. P.
ReplyDeletena wen him don die na nigeria go know saw the man na hero, since wen him de alive what did the country offer to him. You people should just live your life and leave the rest for God
ReplyDeleteR.I.P Pa
ReplyDeleteR.I.P
ReplyDeleteRIP great icon. Federal n State govt shld employ his family to der area of choice.
ReplyDeleterest in Peace sir
ReplyDeleteSleep well great pariot, you've done your part and generations are witness to it befor man and God.
ReplyDeleteAs long as Nigeria remains, you are not dead. You live. RIP
ReplyDeleteWe love you, but God loves you more. RIP
ReplyDeleteRespect, great one
ReplyDeleteWhy must ds nation always wait to one to pass on before he/she is recognized as a hero? All ds yrs no body remembered him, pa Odiase God will remember u for ur service to ds Nation Nijia. Adiuo great hero, rest in peace
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Sir. The pledge should not just be taught in connection to recitation but for all to imbibe in our day to day dealings. Both the Ogas at the top, middle, and at whatever level .
ReplyDeletewell done papa
ReplyDelete