Along with a description of the history that led to its formation, as well as the significance of each symbol on the coat of arms. The death of history lessons in Nigeria prompted the need to write on this sensitive sign of our nationhood. As a result, the majority of Nigerians are unaware of the significance of this national emblem, as well as the reasons for its development and adoption. Nonetheless, this article will provide you with all of the information you need about the Nigerian Coat of Arms. Find out more in the sections below.
Picture of the Nigerian Coat Of Arms:
Above is the Nigerian coat of arms; I’m sure you’ve seen it before on Nigerian currency, haven’t you? You should be wondering what it is and why it was made at this stage. The following sections contain the answers to these questions.
About the Nigerian Coat Of Arms?
Nigeria’s coat of arms is a one-of-a-kind emblem that symbolizes the country’s unity in diversity, state strength, and authority. The Nigerian federation’s coat of arms was officially adopted in 1975 as the central emblem of the nation. Before the adoption of this emblem, the various regions that make up Nigeria had their own coats of arms. That may explain Nigeria’s high level of disunity and lack of national consciousness at the time. The Nigerian coat of arms has seven main characteristics. These main features will be discussed further in this article.
Why was the Coat of Arm Created in Nigeria?
The Nigerian coat of arms was created with the intention of instilling national consciousness in the minds of Nigerians. The British authority forced the merger of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914, resulting in the creation of Nigeria. In terms of belief systems and history, these people who were forced to live together as a nation had little in common. As a result, even after the union in 1914 and independence in 1960, there was no national consciousness or unification since the various ethnic groups that make up Nigeria still see themselves as IBO, YORUBA, HAUSA, and other ethnic groups rather than Nigerians. This apparent ethnic consciousness over national values was one of the factors that contributed to the notorious Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970, which killed over 3 million Nigerians. However, shortly after the civil war, which clearly increased the rate of disunity in Nigeria, the national coat of arms was created as a visual reminder to Nigerians that, despite our ethnic differences, we are one people and one country.
Features of Nigerian Coat Of Arm and What They Stand For.
The 7 important features of the Nigerian coat of arms are as follows:
- A shield made of black
- The shield has two white wavy bands that shape the letter “Y.”
- On each side of the shield, there are two ponies.
- A few flowers at the bottom
- On the shield, there is an eagle.
- The eagles stand on a wreath (with green and white bands).
On the band around the base of the shield is the nation’s motto.
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Nigeria’s rich soil is symbolized by the Black Shield.
- Dignity is symbolized by the Two Horses on the shield’s side.
- The Green and White Band on top of the shield represents Nigeria’s fertile soil.
- The Eagle atop the shield, standing on the Green and White band, symbolizes courage.
- The cactus spectabilis with the red flowers at the base is the cactus spectabilis. This is the national flower of Nigeria. The flower in the national coat of arms symbolizes the country’s beauty since it can be found all over Nigeria.
- The two great rivers of Nigeria, the Niger and the Benue, are represented by the white letter “Y.”
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Since 1978, the Nigerian National Motto has been carried by the Band Around The Base: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.”
Previously, the slogan was “Peace, Unity, and Freedom.”