Top 10 National Symbols in Nigeria and their meaning and their meaning. Every country in the international system boasts of its own national symbol as part of its traditions and culture. Oftentimes, these tradition and cultures are accompanied by distinctive features which separate one state in the comity of nations from other states and Nigeria is not left out. Nigeria; the giant of Africa has symbols connected to its own history and heritage. I personally call these the symbols of national identity in nigeria.
Five Importance of National Symbols in Nigeria
The importance of National symbols in Nigeria can never be over emp[hasized. A national symbol in Nigeria is a representation that manifests itself to the world as a national community. The main aim is to unite people through the creation of verbal, visual, and iconic symbolism of the national people.
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaThe Nigerian national symbols promote patriotism and are celebrated by the people. Let’s have a look at the importance of national symbols in Nigeria.
1. Promote National Unity
It is common knowledge that human beings are social beings. We tend to identify and come together with many groups. For example, if you find out you have similar interests as another individual such as drinking the same beer or supporting the same football club, you will relate better with them. It is the same case with national symbols. They join the people of a particular nation together and strengthens their allegiance to the country.
Read More: 10 Ways to Promote National Unity in Nigeria
2. Highlight the history and culture of a nation
We can learn a lot about the history and culture of a particular country through their national symbols.
3. Values
The symbols of a nation show the world what is essential to a particular country, what they pride themselves in.
5. Motivation
Whenever the country is going through a hard time such as a freedom struggle, the national symbols play a significant role in holding them together and motivating them to fight towards a common goal. With this drive, they can harmonize their efforts and do great things together. symbols of national identity in nigeria
As noted in.Wikipedia, the.National symbol is considered a symbol of any entity manifesting itself to the world as a national community. Any kind of state can have it, never mind whether it’s independent or not. Such symbols are usually connected to the history of the country and its heritage. Here at Information Guide in Nigeria, we tend to enlighten everyone about our identities and core values.
5. Remind us about our History
The main purpose of these national symbols is to remind us of past events, which were key ones for a certain country. However, some of these national symbols have nothing to deal with the history, but they carry a kind of meaning and symbolize things like freedom, unity, and independence, among others.
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaExamples of national symbols in Nigeria are the Nigerian Flag, Coat of Arms, Money etc. However, examples of non national symbols in Nigeria are Nigerian Airways, Stadiums etc. These Nigerian national symbols and their importance/relevance are taught as part of the educational process in the country in order to be accorded with great respect. Just as the United States of America boasts of the.Statues of Liberty, bald eagle, liberty bell among others, Nigeria also do same.
Top 11 Nigerian National Symbols and their meaning
Here we will cover the following area;
- importance of national symbols in nigeria
- pictures of national symbols in nigeria
- five national symbols
- examples of national symbols
- non national symbols in nigeria
- five importance of national symbols in Nigeria
- examples of non national symbols in nigeria
- nigerian national symbols pdf
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Pictures of National symbols in Nigeria and their meaning
Nigerian symbols and meanings – Here is the list of the top 11 Nigeria national symbols, their meaning, and brief information about each of them.
1. Nigerian Flag
The Nigerian flag is the most popular and widely known national symbol in Nigeria. It was designed by Mr Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi during a National Flag Design competition in.1959 and was officially hoisted on October 1, 1960 being Nigeria’s Independence Day. He was rewarded with a sum of 100 pounds the official currency in the country at that time. Nigerian national symbols
The flag is a horizontal bi-colour of green and white. The two green stripes on the Nigerian flag represent Nigeria’s agricultural wealth, while the white stripe on the Flag represents peace and the collective national wealth and prosperity of the country.
However, there are rules governing the hoisting of the Nigeria flag and its maintenance. First, on no account should any other flag be raised higher than the Nigerian flag. The Nigerian flag must be hung on important days or any important event. For instance, in cases of death across the country, the Nigerian flag is hoisted at half-length to respect the fallen heroes. The flag must be hoisted at sunrise and lowered at sunset. Finally, if for any reason, the Nigerian flag get torn, it must be replaced.
See Also: List of 371 Ethnic Groups in Nigeria and their People
2. Nigerian Coat of Arm
Along with the Nigerian Flag, the Nigerian coat of arms is one of the most used national symbols in Nigeria. was officially adopted in May 1960. Every item found on the coat of arms has a special meaning in Nigeria’s history. On close observation, one would find a shield, horses, navy bands, an eagle, and some colourful plants at the lower part of the shield.
All these represent the rich diversity and historical splendour of our country. For instance, the black shield denotes Nigeria’s fertile soil, supported by two horses or chargers on each side. The horses symbolises dignity. The eagle represents strength,/while the green and white bands on the top of the shield represent Nigeria’s rich soil and beauty of the land.
The coat of Arms carries the Nigerian motto “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”. symbols of national unity in nigeria
3. National Anthem
The Nigerian national anthem takes into cognisance the account of our historical past as well as the aims and aspirations for the coming generation. The beautiful thing about the Nigerian national anthem is the bond it has on all Nigerians both home and abroad.
It is a clarion call to serve our fatherland with love and strength and faith. One can safely say that the National anthem is one of the most important symbols of the country.
The current Nigerian National anthem “Arise O’ Compatriot” was adopted in 1978. It replaced the former National Anthem (Nigeria, We Hail Thee). The lyrics was coined form the five best entries ( Eme Etim Akpan, , John A Ilechukwu Sota Omoigui, P. O. Aderibigbe andLB A Ogunnaike) in a national contest while the words were put to music by Benedict E. Odiase, the then director of Nigerian Police Band. mtn night plan
Nigerian National Anthem Lyrics
Arise, O Compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey Nigerian national symbols
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
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.
4. National Pledge
The Nigerian National pledge is an oath of allegiance of support of the country. Often times, it is recited after the National anthem. The.National pledge was drafted by a Nigerian Professor, Prof (Mrs) Felicia Adebola in 1976 and in September 1976, General Olusegun Obasanjo decreed that all schools children should recite the national pledge on daily basis. The national pledge goes thus: national symbols in Nigeria
I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful loyal an honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory
So help me God
5. Nigerian Naira
The legal tender of every country is also a national symbol. Just like Morocco boast of Riyadh, Benin republic boast of its Franc, Ghana its cedis, so also Nigeria has its own Naira. The naira is Nigeria’s official legal tender since 1973. It is used in day-to-day transactions within the country. Nigerian symbols and meanings
The Central Bank of Nigeria is the only authorized issuer of the Naira. On different denominations of the Nigerian Naira (#5, #10, #20, #50, #100, #200, #500 and #1000), the pictures of heroes of the Nigerian country are inscribed. The #50 notes most especially denote unity in diversity. The presence of various tribes and cultures was fully depicted in the #50 note. nigeria symbols
See: How much is Dollar to Naira Today?
6. Nigeria Armed forces
The Nigerian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air force) are the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of defending the territorial integrity of the country. the armed forces are a unique symbol of our national unity. on several occasions, they have fought for the course of the Nigerian state, Africa and the world at large in various peacekeeping missions which has earned them international recognition.
On the foreign soil, the Nigerian armed forces represent Nigeria. the same is said of other countries. Their distinct service uniform differentiates them from other armed forces in other countries of the world. richest Nigerian musician
7. National flower
Majority of Nigerians do not know that the country has a national flower as part of her national symbol. The national flower is a wonderful flower called Costus spectabilis.
This flower grows in the wild and it is found all over Africa.
According to history, there exist more than 100 varieties of the Costus spectabilis. More importantly, the flower has yellow petals, and most Nigerians have condemned the red painting of the flower on the coat of arm. The national flower became an official seal of authority in 1978 till date. airtel free MB
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is doing a beautiful job as to curtailing the misuse and abuse the National symbols.
8. Seal of the President of Nigeria
The Seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the official symbol of the Nigerian President. It was first used in 1979 by President Shehu Shagari in the ill-fated second republic and jettisoned by the successive military regimes from 1983 to 1999. The presidential seal returned to usage in the wake of the fourth republic in 1999, and it has remained in use since.
9. National Arts Theatre
This is one of the important Nigerian national symbols in NIgeria. The National Arts Theatre is the primary centre for the performing arts in Nigeria. The monument is located in Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos. Its construction was completed in 1976 in preparation for the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977. The collection of National Gallery of Modern Nigerian Art is housed in a section of this building. national symbols in Nigeria
Its exterior is shaped like a military hat. It has a 5,000-seater Main Hall with a collapsible stage, and two capacity cinema halls, all of which are equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation of 8 languages; among others.
10. Nigerian President
The President is one of the notable national symbols in Nigeria. Am sure the picture of the president will be hanging on your wall, I mean it’s in virtually every office in Nigeria. The picture of the Nigerian president may not be the first of the symbols of national identity you think about, but currently, it’s hard to think of an office of a state official without a framed photo of President Buhari on the wall – and that’s the way it should be.
11. National animal of Nigeria
The official national animal of Nigeria is the eagle. However, here is no specific reason behind the eagle being referred to as the national animal of Nigeria. The Eagle represents strength and that may be the most important reason. national symbols in Nigeria
Also,.the hefty population of eagles in Nigeria is the only reason they are the national animal of the country. As conspicuously located in the Nigerian Coat of Arms, the eagle on the wreath with white and green bands symbolizes the pride of Nigeria
Conclusion
In conclusion, as much as globalization increases and we happen to travel around the world and interact with other nations and cultures, our national symbols are always there to anchor us to our roots ensuring that we never forget where we originated. New countries continue gaining their independence such as South Sudan and the significance that national symbols play in forging our identity should not be overlooked. You can get the Nigerian national symbols pdf by contacting us.
