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NATIONAL SYMBOLS
THE COAT OF ARMS
Nigeria Coat of Arms is an emblem, which shows
the Unity of the Country and stands for
authority and power.
What the coat of arms represents:
The black shield represents the good soil of
Nigeria, the eagle represents the strength of
Nigeria and the horses represent the dignity and
pride of Nigeria. The mark on the shield which
looks likes letter Y represents the River Niger
and Benue, which flow through parts of Nigeria.
The flowers stand for the beauty of Nigeria.
They are of the species coctus spectabilis and
are found in most parts of Nigeria. Unity and
Faith, Peace and Progress is written on the Coat
of arms and is Nigeria’s motto.
The flag is divided vertically into three equal
parts. The central part is white and the two
outer parts are green. The green of the flag
represents agriculture and the white represents
Unity and peace.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Before Nigeria became independent in 1960, the
British national Anthem was used at festivals
and official ceremonies. The Anthem prayed for
the safety and protection of the British monarch
who was then also the Head of the Nigeria
Government. Shortly before independence an
Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, composed by Miss
L.J.Williams and arranged into music by Miss
F.Benda both of whom were Britons, was adopted
as Nigeria’s National Anthem. This was latter
changed in October, 1978.
This change was as a result of nationalistic
drive. An Anthem composed by a Nigerian, Mr. Ben
Odiase of the Nigeria Police Band, Ikeja is now
in use. The Anthem is a clarion call to all
Nigerians.
The final words of the national anthem were
formed from the entries of the best five picks:
John A Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B A Ogunnaike,
Sotu Omoigui and P. O Aderibigbe. A total of
1499 entries were submitted in a competition
organized by the National Publicity Committee on
the Draft Constitution/Return to Civilian Rule. |
