National symbols represents the pride and heritage of countries.
They help in representing the culture, belief and also the history of a country.
The national symbols of Nigeria are represented on the Nigerian coat of arm, the Nigerian currency, the national anthem, Nigerian flag, the national flower and a whole lot of others.
List Of Nigerian Symbols And Their Meaning
Below are the national symbols in Nigeria and what they stand for:
Nigerian Coat Of Arm
The Nigerian coat of arm is a symbol that comprises of a horse, grass, black shield, green and white band, eagle and a ‘Y’ shaped white pale.
The horses in the coat of arm represents the dignity of the Nigerian people.
The flowers is the national flower of Nigeria called Costus Spectabilis and is found in almost every part of Nigeria. The black shield represents the fertile soil in Nigeria, this is because loamy soil is dark in color is the most fertile of all the soils.
The Y shaped while thick pale at the middle of the black shield represents the meeting of the river Niger and river Benue, the two biggest rivers in Nigeria and of the biggest in Africa. There is a green and white band at the top of black shield, this band represents rich soil and agriculture in Nigeria.
Lastly, there is a banderole beneath the black shield with a “Unity And Faith, Peace And Progress”, this inscription was officially declared as Nigeria’s national motto in 1978, the former Nigeria national motto was “Peace, Unity, Freedom”.
The Nigeria Flag
The flag is also a significant national symbol not only in Nigeria but every country in the world.
The flag of Nigeria was designed in 1959 but was officially hoisted in 1960 on the day of Nigeria’s independence.
The flag consists of two colours; green and white but is divided into three vertical stripes.
The flag has a green, white, green stripes.
The green on the Nigeria flag represents the agricultural success in Nigeria due to the fertile soil, while the white represents peace.
The flag was designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi who was a student of Norwich Technically College in England. He designed the flag after seeing a newspaper article stating that a competition was available for the design of the national flag.
Akinwunmi was a 23 years old student designed the flag and submitted it to the judges.
He originally designed the flag with a red radiating sun at the middle but was removed by the committee of the competition. Eversince Akinwunmi flag was approved, it was used as the Nigeria national flag till date.
The Nigerian National Anthem
Every country has its national anthem, these anthems are songs that represents what the country stands for and also their beliefs, strife, heritage and history. National anthems are usually written in the countries official language.
The Nigeria national anthem comprises of two stanzas and was adopted in 1978, the anthem were written by Eme Etim Akpan, John A. Ilechukwu, Sota Omoigui, PO Aderibigbe and Ogunnaike but was compiled by Benedict E. Odiase who was the director the Nigerian police band.
The first verse of the Nigeria national anthem was directed at the citizens of Nigeria while the second verse of the national anthem was directed to God.
The first verse started with “Arise O’compatriot” while the second verse started with “O God of creation”.
The Nigeria National Pledge
The Nigerian pledge is a promise made by citizens of a country.
The Nigeria national pledge is usually recited after the national anthem.
The pledge was formed by Mrs. Felicia Adebola in 1976. Afterwards, the recitation was made compulsory for school students by the head of state; Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Nigeria national pledge goes like this:
I pledge to Nigeria my country.
To be faithful, loyal and honest.
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory.
So help me God.
The Nigerian Currency
Every country has its official national currency, the Nigerian currency is known as Naira and Kobo.
This currency are usually in notes and are used in purchasing items allover Nigeria.
Before the inception of Naira in 1973, Kobo was the only acceptable currency in Nigeria.
After Naira was introduced, the production of coins were stopped in Nigeria and the Nigerian currency became strictly on notes.
The Central Bank Of Nigeria is the only authorized organization for the issuance of Naira and they are also responsible for controlling the supply of the Naira notes within and outside Nigeria.
The Nigerian naira notes comprises of eight types of notes which are ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ,₦100 ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1000 notes.
Inscribed on the notes are pictures of the national heroes in Nigeria and important Nigerian artifacts.
Seal of the President of Nigeria
The seal of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria was introduced by President Shehu Shagari in 1979.
It is used a symbol to differentiate the president of Nigeria from other citizens. This is to show the president as the number one citizen of Nigeria. The symbol is usually placed on items related to the presidency, this includes presidential cars, table and venue in which important important meetings are being carried out with the president.
The National Flower
Alot Of Nigerians don’t know that there is a national flower that is significant in Nigeria and has been adopted as a national symbol.
The national flower is called the “Costus Spectabilis” and is found in almost every part of Nigeria.
The flower is also found in most African countries but over a 100 species of this flower is found in Nigeria.
The flower usually has a yellow petal contrary to the red flower displayed on the coat of arm.
The national flower was introduced as a significant symbol in Nigeria in 1978 and the government of Nigeria are trying their to educate Nigerians on the importance of this flower to our national heritage.
The Mace
The Mace is a very important symbol in thr Nigerian Senate.
The national mace is a ornamental rod used by the Nigerian Senate in taking decisions. It is a symbol of authority and must be present in ant meeting held by the Senate. The mace is being held at the front of the Senate president while he is entering into the venue of the meeting.
Any decision made by the Senate in the presence of the mace is approved.
Final Thought
There are hundreds of national symbols in Nigeria ranging from the artifacts, places and even culture. These symbols are a part of us and what Nigeria stands for.
I hope you’ve gotten a deeper understanding of the different national symbols In Nigeria and what they represent.
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