Nigerian Coat Of Arms: This article serves as a revelation of the untold story and facts behind the creation of the Nigerian coat of Arms.
Together with particular reference to the background that led to its creation, coupled with the meaning of every symbolic feature on the coat of arms.
The need to write on this sensitive symbol of our nationhood was a result of the death of history lessons in Nigeria.
Consequently, most Nigerians are ignorant of the meaning of this National symbol, and the reason for its establishment and adoption.
Nonetheless, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the Nigerian Coat of Arms. Learn more below;
Also Read: Public Holidays In Nigeria
Picture of the Nigerian Coat Of Arms
The image above is the Nigerian coat of arm, and am sure you’ve seen it before on Nigerian currencies, haven’t you? what it is, and why it was made should be the question on your mind by now.
The answers to these questions are explained below.
About the Nigerian Coat Of Arms?
The Nigerian coat of arms is a unique symbol that represents Nigeria’s unity in diversity, state power, and authority.
This coat of arms was officially adopted in 1975 as the central symbol that officially represents the Nigerian Federation.
Before the adoption of this symbol, the different regions that made up Nigeria then used to have their own coat of arms.
And that could account for the high level of disunity and lack of national consciousness in Nigeria then. The Nigerian coat of arms has 7 core features. These core features shall be explained later in this post.
Why was the Coat of Arm Created in Nigeria?
The Nigerian coat of arms was made for the purpose of instilling national consciousness in the sub-consciousness of Nigerian nationals.
Nigeria came into existence by means of forceful amalgamation between the northern and southern protectorate by the British authority in 1914.
These people that were forced to live together as a country had nothing in common in terms of value systems and culture.
Hence, even after the amalgamation in 1914 and independence in 1960, there was still no national consciousness or unity, as the different groups that makeup Nigeria still see themselves more from their ethnic stand like IBO, YORUBA, HAUSA, etc, rather than Nigerians.
This seeming ethnic consciousness over national values was part of the reasons that led to the infamous Nigerian civil war of 1967-70, which took the lives of over 3 million Nigerians.
However, shortly after the civil war, which obviously increased the rate of disunity in Nigeria, there was a need to create the national coat of arms, which was designed as a visual reminder to Nigerians that we are one people and one nation, despite our ethnic differences.
See Also: Nigeria Zip Codes here and List of Nigeria’s National Symbols
Features of Nigerian Coat Of Arms and What They Stand For.
The Nigerian coat of arm is made of 7 significant features and these are;
- A black shield
- Two white wavy bands on the shield, which form the letter “Y”
- Two horses on either side of the shield
- Some flowers at the base
- An eagle standing on the shield
- The wreath (with green and white bands) upon which the eagle stands
- The nation’s motto on the band around the base of the shield
The Black Shield represents Nigeria’s fertile soil.
The Two Horses on the side of the shield represent Dignity.
The Green and White Band is on top of the shield, and it represents the rich soil of Nigeria
The Eagle at the top of the shield, standing on the Green and White band, represent strength.
The Red Flowers at the base are the cactus spectabilis. This is the Nigerian national flower. The flower in the national Coat of Arms represents the beauty of the nation as it is found all over Nigeria.
The White Letter ”Y” represents the two great rivers of Nigeria, which are the River Niger and River Benue.
The Band Around The Base carries the Nigerian National Motto since 1978 ”Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.” The motto was formerly ”Peace, Unity, and Freedom.”
Importance of Coats of Arms
Coat of arms, a key component of a system of hereditary signs dating as far as early medieval Europe, was historically used to establish identity in combat. Arms changed to symbolize family lineage, adoption, partnership, ownership of property, and, eventually, occupation.
Arms have been created for organizations far removed from war—schools, colleges and universities, associations, temples, brotherly societies, and even modern corporations—to signify the symbolic value of their mottoes or to hint at their pasts.
Coat of Arms of Other Popular Countries
National emblem of France
The French coat of arms has a lictor’s fasces atop wreath and oak twigs, as well as a ribbon with the national slogan Liberté, égalité, fraternité.
Maurice de Meyère, a mediaeval designer and printer, designed the arms in 1905, and the French government approved them.
Coat of arms of Ghana
Ghana’s coat of arms was crafted by Ghanaian painter Nii Amon Kotei and was unveiled on March 4, 1957.
State Emblem of India
The Indian State Emblem is the country’s coat of arms, and it is used by the central government, as well as several provincial governments and governmental organizations.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, a statue dated 280 BCE, inspired the emblem. The sculpture is a three-dimensional insignia with four lions on it.
In December 1947, it was designated as the Dominion of India’s emblem, and later as the Republic of India’s emblem.
Coat of arms of Ireland
Ireland’s coat of arms depicts a harp on a blue field.
It has been the symbol of Ireland for generations. As early as the 13th century, they were referred to as the emblems of the Monarch of Ireland.
When Henry VIII of England abolished the era of Lordship of Ireland and proclaimed Ireland to be a monarchy again in 1541, he chose these emblems.
England, Scotland, and Ireland were amalgamated in 1603, and their coats of arms were incorporated into a single unified royal coat of arms for the three countries.
When the Irish Free State broke away from the United Kingdom in 1922, the harp became its emblem.
Emblem of Italy
On May 5, 1948, the newly founded Italian Republic officially adopted the Italian Republic’s emblem.
Although it is commonly described as a coat of arms (or stemma in Italian), it is more accurately described as an emblem because it was created to defy standard heraldic principles.
The Italian government makes frequent use of the emblem.
Coat of arms of Kenya
Kenya’s coat of arms depicts two lions clutching spears and an East African shield, as a sign of defense. The shield and spears represent unity and free resistance.
Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal of the United States is the country’s most important national symbol.
Why is it red and not yellow as it is in the picture
Why are the flowers of the Nigerian coat of arms red instead of yellow? Since this flower represented here in itself is actually yellow, thanks!
From records (history), it has always been yellow flowers, i do not know why it was changed to red; the color of cocsus spectabilis is YELLOW and not red. Thanks
Not the best coat of arms. Whoever designed it is lazy af