By RFPosted on 22-11-2019Modified on 22-11-2019 at 23:09

The authorities have decided to change the lyrics of the national anthem soon. The lyrics of "La Nigérienne" were written by Frenchman Maurice Albert Thiriet in 1961, shortly after the independence of the country. Today, many passages of this song are polemical and should be changed after citizen consultations.

Too much reference to colonization. Too dated. Not enough representative of the traditions of the country. For the authorities, a modification of the national anthem is necessary.

" We would like a unifying, galvanizing anthem, so that when we listen to it, the patriotic fiber vibrates and that everyone feels attached to the values ​​of the nation, " says Assoumana Malam Issa, Minister of Cultural Renaissance, one of the initiators of this change.

For a year, a team of fifteen experts has been thinking about a new version of the anthem. Among them are writers, composers and ministers, who will soon be visiting Tillaberi to start extensive citizen consultations to gather as many suggestions as possible.

It's not necessarily about changing the anthem. The committee needs to think about what to change in the anthem, whether to keep it as it is or to change it altogether. So no option is discarded.

Assoumana Malam Issa

22-11-2019 - By Bineta Diagne

" Citizens can contribute, make proposals," said the minister. This is not a competition that will launch where there will be a prize for the best work, but it will be a contest where everyone can contribute. "

Even the melody could possibly change, according to the suggestions made during these meetings. There is no deadline for these citizen consultations, which will be conducted in all seven regions of the country. Ultimately, the steering committee will have the last word on the extent of the changes made to the anthem.

We realize today that this national anthem does not correspond to the mentality, the desires of the Nigerians, to want them to be present and future.

What do Nigerians think of a change in the lyrics of the national anthem?

22-11-2019 - By Moussa Kaka

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