Pa Benedict Odiase (August 25, 1934 – June 11, 2013) was a Nigerian composer who composed "Arise, O Compatriots," the former national anthem of Nigeria. "Arise, O Compatriots," which was adopted in 1978, replaced the country's previous (now reinstated) national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".[1]
Pa Ben Odiase | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Benedict Elide Odiase |
| Born | 25 August 1934 Colonial Nigeria |
| Died | 11 June 2013 (aged 78) Lagos State |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, Police Officer |
| Years active | 1954–1992 |
Odiase was born in 1934, and raised in British Nigeria, where Edo State is now.[2] He served in the Nigerian Police Force from 1954 to 1992 and was also the Music Director of the Nigerian Police Band and the MId-West State Police Band. He was awarded the Order of the Niger in December 2001.[3]
Odiase died from a short illness on June 11, 2013, at the age of 78.
References
edit- ^ "Nigeria's National Anthem Composer, Pa Ben Odiase, Dies". Gazelle News. 2013-06-12. Archived from the original on 2017-09-27. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
- ^ "Police Honour Odiase, Composer Of National Anthem - P.M. News". Retrieved 2022-04-07.
- ^ "Goodnight, Pa Benedict Odiase (1934 – 2013)". National Mirror. 2013-06-30. Archived from the original on 2013-07-04. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
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