Composer of the Nigerian national anthem, “Arise O
Compatriots”, Pa Benedict Odiase died on Tuesday night following a long
illness.
Pa Odiase was the director of music with the Nigeria
Police Force until he retired in 1992.
He was a deputy Commissioner of Police.
President Goodluck Jonathan sent his condolences to
the family through a spokesman. In a statement by his spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati,
the president said...
"Pa Odiase will always be remembered and honoured
whenever the National Anthem, which captures the vision of Nigeria as a great
nation, is played.”
He asked friends and family members of the deceased
to be “consoled by the knowledge that the late police officer lived an
exemplary life.”
“In passing on, he bequeathed an indelible legacy to
the nation, which will continue to inspire present and future generations to
greater heights of accomplishment.”
