The coat of arms of Nigeria is a powerful symbol that represents the nation's identity, strength, and natural resources. Adopted in May 1960, it is one of Nigeria's most recognizable national symbols, with profound meaning embedded in each of its elements.
Let's delve into the meaning behind each component of the Nigerian Coat of Arms:
- The Black Shield: The black shield signifies the fertile soil of Nigeria, representing the country's agricultural wealth and solid resources.
- Y-Shaped Silver Coloured Wavy Band: A Y-shaped silver colored wavy band runs through the middle of the black shield. This represents the confluence of the two major rivers in the country, the River Niger and River Benue, at Lokoja.
- The Eagle: At the top of the coat of arms is a red eagle, mounted on a wreath rendered in the national colors. The red eagle depicts Nigeria's strength and resilience.
- The Two White Horses (Chargers): The two white horses, or chargers, support the shield on either side. They represent dignity and pride of the Nigerian people.
- Costus Spectabilis (National Flower): The base on which the shield rests features Costus spectabilis, a wild flower that grows in many parts of the country. This flower was chosen for inclusion in the coat of arms as it is found all over Nigeria and also stands for the beauty of the nation. It is also referred to as Yellow Trumpet.
- National Motto: Beneath the shield is the Nigerian national motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress." It was adopted in 1978.
Here's a table summarizing the elements and their meanings:
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Black Shield | Fertile soil, agriculture, minerals and solid resources |
| Y-shaped Silver Band | Meeting of River Niger and River Benue |
| Red Eagle | Strength of Nigeria |
| White Horses | Dignity |
| Costus Spectabilis | Beauty of the nation |
In addition to the Coat of Arms, Nigeria also has a national flag. Designed in 1959 and first officially hoisted on 1 October 1960, the flag has three vertical bands of green, white, and green.
Nigeria@60: Nigerian National Symbols Explained
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