Where are the days, compatriots of mine

when we consistently bore our freedom in mind

When our colonizers reigned

we passionately desired freedom

but where have we thrown it now

Where are the days dear compatriots

for which the Lion-hearted Azikiwe patriotically fought

when the Eagle-braved Balewa did make our quest pertinacious

Where are the tenacious days of courageous Macaulay

the determined-Awolowo-days

when our almost-thorn robe of liberty was mended

Where are the new-dawn Nigerian days

when the gentle peace-loving Gowon declined the sudden breakaway

the brave and indefatigable Obasanjo-days

when our lives testified to the transformation of our land

Have we not by betrayal displaced those days

importing the by-force alien ways and throwing away our heritage

which by sweat and blood they reclaimed

now living in perpetual invisible imprisonment

We have betrayed the belief of those days

when the selfless sacrifice was paid

We have sold our richly blessed land

for tokens of foreign coins

fame and short-lasting happiness

Her buyers now ride, hiding in tall grasses

Why have we thrown away our freedom

Shall we not rise up now

while there is yet hope and there is assurance

as we are capable to redeem our land again