Nigerian National Symbols

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In today’s class, we will be talking about the Nigerian national symbols. Enjoy the class!

Nigerian National Symbols

A symbol is a thing that is generally regarded by people as representing something important to them. Nigerian National Symbols are therefore things representing the people of Nigeria and are regarded as important and symbolic.

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 its people. In addition; they convey important meanings such as the history, tradition, values, morals, culture, and ideals of a Nation or Country. National Symbol also unites the people of a Nation.

Examples of National Symbols in Nigeria:

The Nigerian Coat of Arm
The Nigerian National Flag
The Nigerian National Currency
The Nigerian National Anthem
The Nigerian National Pledge
The Nigerian Passport
The Nigerian National Identity Card

The Nigerian coat of arm:

The Nigerian Coat of Arm represents 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 77 1971. After a series of modifications, it became officially adopted in 1975, 15 years after Nigerian gained independence from their colonial masters.

Find below the image of Nigeria’s coat of arms:

There are seven prominent features that can be seen on the Nigerian Coat of Arm. They are:

Eagle – Represents Strength and Pride of Nigeria.
The white “Y” Shape – Represents Nigeria’s 2 iconic rivers (River Niger and River Benue). Both rivers unite at Lokoja.
Two Horses – Represents the Dignity and Pride of Nigeria.
Green and White Bands above the Shield – Represents Nigeria’s Rich Soil and Beauty.
Black Shield – Represent the Rich Fertile Soil of Nigeria.
The Gold Band around the Base – On is inscribed “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”
The Base Flowers – Also known as “costus spectabilis”. They represent the Beauty of Nigeria.

The Nigerian national flag:

The Nigerian National Flag was designed by the distinguished Mr Tawo Akinkunmi, in 1959. The colour green on the flag represents Nigeria’s great wealth and abundant natural resources. The colour white stands for unity and Peace.

Officially, The Nigerian Flag was raised up for the first time on October 1st, 1960. The Nigerian Flag is always raised higher than any other flag within Nigeria Once damaged or torn; it should be burnt.

The Nigerian national currency:

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.

The different Naira denominations are 5 Naira, 10 Naira, 20 Naira, 50 Naira, 100 Naira, 200 Naira, 500 Naira and 1000 Naira.

Find below an image of the Nigerian 1000 Naira note:

Also, Naira is symbolized as N with a double strikethrough just as seen below.

The 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 piece of melodious music by Mr Benedict. E Odiase and adopted in 1978. It is sung daily in all Nigerian primary and secondary schools. It has 2 stanzas.

1st Stanza

Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey

To serve our fatherland

With love and strength and faith

The labour 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.

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 honoured

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 oppressed

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

The Nigerian national pledge:

The Nigerian National Pledge is a solemn promise. Its 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. It was written by Professor Felicia Adebola in 1976.

Below is 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 honour and glory

So help me God.

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.

The Nigerian national identity card:

It is a means of identifying an individual as a citizen of Nigeria. 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

In our next class, we will be talking about the Civic Rights Of A Citizen. We hope you enjoyed the class.

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Nigerian National Symbols