The national symbols of Nigeria represent the country's identity, heritage, and values, reflecting its cultural diversity and historical journey. These symbols include the national flag, coat of arms, anthem, and pledge, as well as the national flower, animal, currency, and other national emblems.[1] The Nigerian flag, designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, features three vertical stripes of green and white, symbolising agriculture and peace, respectively.[2][3] The coat of arms, adopted in 1960,[4] includes a black shield with a wavy white pall, symbolising the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers, supported by two white horses representing dignity. Above the shield is an eagle, symbolising strength, and beneath it is Nigeria's national motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress".[5] The national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee", first adopted in 1960, relinquished in 1978, and then re-adopted in 2024, calls upon Nigerians to stand in brotherhood and serve their motherland.[6] The national pledge, introduced in 1976, serves as an oath of allegiance and commitment to Nigeria's unity and development.[7] The national flower, Costus spectabilis, symbolises beauty and prosperity, while the national animal, the eagle, reflects the country's strength and vision.[1][8] The Naira, Nigeria's national currency, was introduced in 1973.[9] Through these symbols, Nigeria's government and its people express their collective pride, uphold their cultural values, and reinforce their commitment to national development and cohesion.[10]
- ^ a b Wangare, Jackline; Simwa, Andriana (30 August 2022). "11 National Symbols of Nigeria and Their Meanings Explained". Legit.ng. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ "The Nigerian National Assets". Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Barrett, A. Igoni (3 September 2015). "I Remember the Day … I Designed the Nigerian Flag". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ Odesola, Tunde (26 May 2023). "Bola Tinubu and Nigeria's Coat of Arms". The Punch. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
r867was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Abubakar, Mansur (29 May 2024). "Outrage as Nigeria Changes National Anthem". BBC News. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
c396was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "The National Flower of Nigeria: Costus spectabilis". Nigerian Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ "History of Nigerian Currency". Central Bank of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ Oyeneye, Oyesiku & Edewor 1993, pp. 173.