National Consciousness and Identity

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, students should be able to say

Meaning of Consciousness

Meaning of National Consciousness

Meaning of National Identity

Meaning of Consciousness

Consciousness means being able to use one’s sense and mental powers to understand events happening at particular point in time. Consciousness is the state or quality of awareness, or, of being aware of an external object or something within oneself. It has been defined as: sentience, awareness, subjectivity, the ability to experience or to feel, wakefulness, having a sense of selfhood, and the executive control system of the mind.

National Consciousness

National Consciousness is the level of a person’s awareness of issues and happenings in the nation and how they affect him/her and others in the nation. It is the love and affection for oneself. This self awareness that translates to self consciousness.

National Identity

National Identity is the act of belonging and identifying with a nation. It is represented by the symbols, beliefs, culture and heritages for which the country is known and identified with. These include national symbols like currency, pledge, national anthem, coat of arms, etc. National identity is one’s identity or sense of belonging to one state or to one nation. It is the sense of a nation as a cohesive whole, as represented by distinctive traditions, culture, language and politics.

Meaning of National Symbol            

The National Symbols

The National Flag: The Nigerian flag which was designed by Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1958 is made up of two colours; white and green. The white part stands for Peace and Unity while the Green represents our rich Agriculture. It is placed in important public places like schools as a sign of patriotism.

Nigerian Coat of Arms: This is an emblem of national unity. It has a black Shield representing the good soil of the country, an Eagle which represents strength while the two white Horses represent the dignity and pride of the country. The river Niger and river Benue which flows through parts of the nation are represented by the “Y” symbol marked on the shield. The Flower represents the beauty of the nation. The motto of the country “Unity and Faith” is written in the coat of arms.

The Currency: This is the legal tender (means of transaction) peculiar to the country. This is in units of naira and kobo; with the lowest denomination being five kobo (5k) while the highest is one thousand naira (₦1000). These currencies are universally accepted as means of exchange.