National Symbols and Their Meanings – SS1 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

National symbols are signs, marks or objects that represent a country and its people.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain what a national symbol is.
2. State the meaning of the colours of the Nigerian flag.
3. Describe the parts of the Coat of Arms and what each one represents.
4. State the promises made in the National Pledge.
5. Name other national symbols, such as the currency, the passport and the Constitution.
6. Give reasons why national symbols must be respected.

What is a national symbol?

A national symbol is a sign, mark or object that stands for a country, its history and its values.

• Meaning: it works like a “brand” for the nation and tells the story of our history, struggles and strengths.
• Example: a green and white flag seen in another country at once tells people that Nigeria is present.
• Purpose: it helps citizens feel pride and belonging, and it shows who we are to the world.
• Link to citizenship: knowing the symbols is the first step to becoming a patriotic citizen who respects the Fatherland.

What are the national symbols of Nigeria?

Nigeria has seven main national symbols: the flag, the Coat of Arms, the anthem, the pledge, the currency, the passport and the Constitution.

What is the Nigerian national flag?

The National Flag is the official flag of Nigeria, with three equal vertical stripes in green, white and green.

• Designer: Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a student who was studying in London in 1959.
• First raised: on Nigeria’s independence day, 1 October 1960.

What do the colours of the flag mean?

• Green: Nigeria’s rich natural wealth, including fertile land, forests and great agricultural potential.
• White: peace and unity, a reminder that our many ethnic groups must live together in harmony.

How should we treat the flag?

• Condition: never fly a torn or dirty flag.
• Hoisting and lowering: stand still while the flag is raised or lowered, as a sign of respect.
• Meaning: the flag is the “face” of Nigeria, so it must be handled with care.

What is the Nigerian Coat of Arms?

The Coat of Arms is the official emblem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made up of several parts that each carry a meaning.

What are the parts of the Coat of Arms?

What is the motto of Nigeria?

• Motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.”
• Position: it is written at the bottom of the Coat of Arms.
• Meaning: it names the values on which the country is built.

What are the national anthem and the national pledge?

The national anthem and the national pledge are the symbols we sing and speak, and both express our promise to the country.

What is the national anthem?

The national anthem is the official song of a country, sung on national occasions.

• Purpose: it expresses love for the country and builds pride.
• Behaviour: stand at attention while it is played or sung.
• Do not: talk, eat or play during the anthem.
• Reason: good behaviour shows the world that you value your home.

What is the national pledge?

The national pledge is a personal vow of loyalty to Nigeria, recited by citizens, especially students.

When you say “I pledge to Nigeria my country”, you promise to:

• Be faithful, loyal and honest: to the country at all times.
• Serve Nigeria: with all your strength.
• Defend her unity: and stand against anything that divides the nation.
• Uphold her honour: and protect her good name.

What other national symbols does Nigeria have?

Other national symbols are the currency, the passport and the Constitution.

• The national currency (naira and kobo): a symbol of our economic independence. Many notes carry portraits of national figures, such as Herbert Macaulay, and images of our culture.
• The national passport: a symbol of citizenship. It allows us to travel and tells other countries that we are under the protection of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• The Constitution: a book that is also a symbol. It is the “Grand Norm” (the highest law) and represents our commitment to justice and democracy.
• The national flower: the yellow Costus spectabilis, which also appears on the Coat of Arms.

Why must we respect national symbols?

We must respect national symbols because they unite us, show patriotism, earn international respect and preserve our history.

1. They unite us: whether you are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or Efik, we all share one flag and one country.
2. They show patriotism: respect for the symbols shows love for the country and readiness to work for its growth.
3. They earn international respect: when Nigerians respect their symbols, other countries respect Nigeria too.
4. They preserve history: they remind us of the people who worked to make Nigeria independent on 1 October 1960.

Evaluation

1. What is a national symbol?
2. State the two colours of the Nigerian flag and what each one represents.
3. What does the silver “Y” shape on the Coat of Arms represent?
4. Write out the motto on the Coat of Arms.
5. Give two reasons why we must respect national symbols.

Assignment

List four parts of the Coat of Arms and state what each one represents. Then name two other national symbols apart from the flag and the anthem, and say what each one stands for.