Composer of Nigeria's National Anthem, Benedict Odiase, dies

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.