National symbols

People and groups have trait by which they are known; similarly countries have symbols by which they can be identified. Such symbols stand for authority and remind the citizens that they all belong to the same country. Some of our National symbols have historical importance. Below are some our National symbols.

1. The Coat of Arms
2. The National Flag
3. The National Anthem
4. The National Pledge
5. The National Currency
6. The National Passport
7. The Constitution
8. National identity Card
9. The Unity Lamp

The Coat of Arms

This coat of arms is an emblem which shows the unity of the country and stands for authority and power. It is also called the armorial bearing. There are certain things drawn on the coat of Arms which are commonly known to be in Nigeria. The black shield represents the good soil of Nigeria. The Eagle represents the strength of Nigeria. The horses represent the dignity and pride of Nigeria. The Y shape on the shield represents the Rivers Niger and Benue which flow through the parts of Nigeria. The flowers stands for the beauty of Nigeria as seen from flower called cactus spectabilis commonly found in most parts of Nigeria.  They are common and found at roadsides and in the coat of Arms stands for Nigerian motto – the way Nigerians are expected to act or believe.

The National Flag

The Nigeria National flag was designed by a Nigerian, whose name is Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1959. The National flag was unfolded for the first use on midnight of 30^th September 1960 shortly before Nigeria’s independence on 1^st October 1960. The National flag has two colours divided into three parts green-white-green. The green colour stands for farmlands and forests, on which the wealth of the nation depends, and in which most Nigerians are employed; the white colour stands for peace and unity which are important in the growth of the Nation and its peace.

The flag is hoisted on important public buildings or private establishment to fly freely as Nigeria’s symbol of Nationhood. Before our independence, the official flag was the British flag known as the Union Jack.

The National Anthem

Since independence, Nigeria has adopted two National anthems. The first one was adopted on 1st October, 1960, and it reads.

Nigeria we hail thee;

Our own dear Native land;

Though tribes and tongues may differ;

In brotherhood we stand;

Nigerians are proud to serve; Our Sovereign Mother land.

Reasons Why the Old Anthem was Faulted

This old anthem was faulted on three main reasons.

1. It was composed by a non-Nigerian.
2. It emphasized our different culture and traits rather than experiences.
3. The spirit of patriotism, faith and loyalty was not sufficiently recognized. The old Anthem was composed by Miss I. J. Williams, a Briton and rendered in song form by Miss Flora Benda who was also a Briton. The new Anthem composed by a Nigerian, Mr. Benedict Elise Odiase took care of all the anomalies of the old anthem and it reads.

The National Anthem

First Stanza

Arise O compatriots;

Nigerians call obeys;

To serve our fatherland;

With love and strength and Faith;

The labours of our heroes pasts;

Shall never be in vain;

To serve with heart and might;

One Nation bound in freedom;

Peace and unity.

Second Stanza

Oh God of creation;

Direct our Noble cause;

Guide thou our leader’s right;

Help our youths the truth to know;

In love and honesty to grow;

And living just and true;

Great lofty height attain

To build a Nation where peace;

And justice shall reign.

The National Pledge

The pledge was adopted after the end of Nigerian 30 months of bitter civil war which started in 1967and ended in 1970. The national pledge was written by Prof. Mrs. Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in September, 1976.

The 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 honour and glory,

So help me God.

The National Currency

The national Currency is an official medium of exchange used by citizens in that particular nation. In Nigeria, The Naira and Kobo is our official medium of exchange. Some are in coin form while others are in note form. The naira and kobo are in various denominations of 10k, 25k, 50k, ₦1, ₦2, ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1000.

10 kobo, 25kobo, 50 koboand 1 Naira are in coins. (100 kobo makes 1 Naira).

The Nigerian National Passport

The Nigerian National Passport, which is also known as international passport, is a means of identification for the citizens of Nigerians worldwide. It is used when traveling outside the Country and it is meant for Nigerian Citizens alone.

EVALUATION

1. Recite: (a) The National Anthem (b) The National Pledge
2. What is national symbol?
3. List  five national symbols.
4. Mention all Nigerian money denominations.
5. Give another name for national passport.