Description of National Symbols: The Coat of Arms – Basic 3 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Subject: Civic Education
Class: Primary 3
Duration: 30 minutes

What is the Coat of Arms?

The coat of arms is Nigeria’s special symbol that appears on important government papers, money, and official documents. It shows what Nigeria stands for as a nation.

Parts of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms

1. The Black Eagle

• Sits at the top of the coat of arms
• Has its wings spread wide
• Represents: Strength, power, and pride
• Shows that Nigeria is strong and mighty

2. The White Horse

• Found on the left side
• Standing on its back legs
• Represents: Dignity and grace
• Shows that Nigeria is noble and respected

3. The White Horse (Right Side)

• Also standing on back legs
• Mirrors the left horse
• Represents: Unity and balance
• Shows both sides of Nigeria working together

4. The Black Shield

• In the center between the horses
• Has a white Y-shape on it
• Represents: The meeting of Rivers Niger and Benue
• Shows Nigeria’s rich water resources

5. The Red Flowers

• Called Costus Spectabilis
• Found at the bottom
• Represents: Nigeria’s natural beauty
• Shows our rich forests and farmlands

6. The Yellow Ribbon

• At the very bottom
• Contains Nigeria’s national motto
• Words on it: “Unity and Work, Progress”
• Shows what Nigerians must do to succeed

Where We See the Coat of Arms

• On Nigerian currency (naira notes and coins)
• On government buildings
• On official letters and documents
• On Nigerian passports
• In government offices

Meaning of “Unity and Work, Progress”

• Unity: All Nigerians working together as one
• Work: Everyone doing their job well
• Progress: Nigeria moving forward and developing

Class Exercise

1. Fill in the missing words:

Words: eagle, horses, shield, flowers

1. The black _____________ sits at the top of the coat of arms.
2. Two white _____________ stand on both sides.
3. The black _____________ has a white Y-shape on it.
4. Red _____________ are found at the bottom.

1. Choose the correct answer:

1. The black eagle represents: a) Weakness b) Strength and power c) Fear
2. The white Y-shape on the shield shows: a) Rivers Niger and Benue b) Mountains c) Roads
3. What is written on the yellow ribbon? a) “God bless Nigeria” b) “Unity and Work, Progress” c) “One Nigeria”

1. Match each part with what it represents:

• Black Eagle → Strength and power
• White Horses → Dignity and unity
• Black Shield → Rivers Niger and Benue
• Red Flowers → Natural beauty
• Yellow Ribbon → National motto

1. Write TRUE or FALSE:

1. The coat of arms appears on Nigerian money. _______
2. There are three white horses on the coat of arms. _______
3. The red flowers represent Nigeria’s natural beauty. _______
4. The national motto is “Unity and Work, Progress.” _______

1. Answer these questions:

1. Where is the black eagle found on the coat of arms?
2. What do the two white horses represent?
3. What does the white Y-shape on the shield represent?

1. Complete these sentences:

1. The coat of arms appears on Nigerian _____________ and coins.
2. The red flowers are called _____________ Spectabilis.
3. The yellow ribbon contains Nigeria’s national _____________.
4. The black shield represents the meeting of two _____________.

1. List three places where you can see the coat of arms:
2. Explain the national motto:

Unity means: _________________________________

Work means: _________________________________

Progress means: _________________________________

The coat of arms shows Nigeria’s strength, unity, and natural beauty!