Nigerian National Symbols explained

What are National Symbols?

A National symbol is a symbol used to manifest a nation, state, country or any entity to the world as a national community.

National symbols are unique to each Nation, State or Country. They are used to represent a country and it's people. In addition, they convey important meanings such as the history, tradition, values, morals, culture and ideals of a Nation or Country.

Please read on Values in Civic Education here

Note: National symbols also unite the people of a Nation. For instance; Although Nigeria is composed of about 250 ethnic groups; the Nigerian Flag presents the Nation's unity in any international football match regardless the ethnicity of each player.

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Let's take a look at some of the Nigerian National Symbols and their significance:

Nigerian National Symbols

Below are the Nigerian National Symbols:

1. Nigerian Coat of Arm

The Nigerian Coat of Arm represent Nigeria's Unity, Power and Authority. They are used as a stamp to the seal of the President, Vice President, House of Representatives and the House of Senate.

The Nigerian Coat of Arm was first approved by Queen Elizabeth II on December 7, 1971. After series of modifications, It became officially adopted in 1975, 15 years after Nigerian gained independence from their colonial masters.

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Below is an image of the Nigerian Coat of Arm:

Seven prominent features can be seen on the Nigerian Coat of Arm. They are:

1. Eagle: Represents Strength and Pride of Nigeria.

2. The white "Y" Shape: Represents Nigeria's 2 iconic rivers (River Niger and River Benue). Both rivers unite at Lokoja.

3. Two Horses: Represents the Dignity and Pride of Nigeria.

4. Green and White Bands above the Shield: Represents Nigeria's Rich Soil and Beauty.

5. Black Shield: Represent the Rich Fertile Soil of Nigeria.

6. The Gold Band around the Base: On it is inscribed "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress".

7. The Base Flowers: Also known as "costus spectabilis". They represent the Beauty of Nigeria.

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2. The Nigerian Flag

It was designed by Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi, in 1959. The color Green represents Nigeria's greath wealth and abundant natural resources. The color White stands for Unity and Peace.

Officially, The Nigerian Flag was raised up for the first time on October 1st, 1960.

Note: The Nigerian Flag is always raised higher than any other flag within Nigeria. Once damaged or torn, It should be burnt.

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3. Nigerian National Anthem

A country's National Anthem can be very motivational and that of Nigeria is not an exception.

The Nigerian National Anthem strongly unites all Nigerian as One Sovereign State. A typical example of this is seen before a National Football Match.

The first (former) anthem of Nigeria (Nigeria we hail Thee) was written in 1960.

The lyrics of the Current Nigerian National Anthem was put into a melodious music by Mr. Benedict .E. Odiase and adopted in 1978. It is sang daily in all Nigerian primary and secondary schools. It has 2 stanzas.

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Below is the Nigerian National Anthem:

The National Anthem

1st Stanza

Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity.

2nd Stanza

Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

Please read on Your Responsibilities, Duties and Obligations as a Citizen here.

Old National Anthem

Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear Native Land
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.

Our Flag shall be a symbol
That Truth and Justice reign
In peace or battle honored
And this we count again
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.

O God of all creation
Grant this one request
Help us to build a Nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with Peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.

4. The Nigerian National Pledge

This is a solemn promise. It's words are deep and inspiring. It is said every morning in all Nigerian primary and secondary schools just immediately after the Nigerian National Anthem is sung.

The Nigerian National Pledge was written by Professor Felicia Adebola in 1976.

Below is the Nigerian National Pledge:

The Nigerian National Pledge

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 honor and glory
So help me God.

Please read on Values in Civic Education here.

You can read on the Attributes and Benefits of Honesty here.

5. The Nigerian Naira

The Naira is Nigeria's official legal tender and the Nigerian Central Bank is the only authorized issuer. The currency is distributed to the people living in Nigeria through the various Commercial Banks.

Please read on the Methods of Payment (Bank Note and Coins) and Characteristics of Legal Tender here.

The different Naira denominations are 5 Naira, 10 Naira, 20 Naira, 50 Naira, 100 Naira, 200 Naira, 500 Naira and 1,000 Naira.

Below is an image of the Nigerian 1000 Naira:

Naira is symbolized as N with a double strike through.

6. The Nigerian Passport

The Nigerian passport is a document that fully identifies an individual as a Nigerian.

Present on the Nigerian Passport are:

• Photograph of the Holder
• Nationality of the Holder
• Name of the Holder
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Sex
• Blood Group
• Signature of the Holder
• Date of Issue
• Date of Expiry

The Nigerian passport is issued by the passport office of the Ministry of Affairs.

Any Nigerian can obtain a visa to another country with his Nigerian Passport.

Think of the visa as a stamp put in the passport; allowing the passport holder to enter his or her country of choice.

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7. The Nigeria National Identity Card

The Nigerian National Identity Card is a means of identifying an individual as a citizen of Nigeria.

Please read on Citizenship and Residence here

The Nigerian National Identity Card can also be used for various purposes like; opening a bank account and sitting for an international or professional examination.

Information contained in the Nigerian National Identity Card include:

• Name of the Holder: Surname, First Name, Middle Name and Maiden Name
• Date of Birth
• Sex
• Height
• Blood Group
• occupation
• Applicant's Residential Address
• Applicant's State of Origin
• Particulars of Next of Kin
• Date of Card Issue
• Personal Number