The Nigeria Coat of Arms symbolizes the country’s national unity, state power, and authority. I guess the Nigerian education system curriculum does not cover much about the meaning of the features you will find in this heraldic visual design. Well, in this post, I am going to show you what each of the features found in the Nigeria Coat of Arms logo represents.
Firstly, it is important for you to note that the Nigeria Coat of Arms was created in line with the National Flag ad Coat of Arms Ordinance number 48 of 1960. It was then officially adopted in 1975. Before this time, each of the country’s constituent political units have its own coat or arms.
Also read: Map of Nigeria Showing the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory
Before I show you the meaning of the features represented in the Nigeria Coat of Arms as shown in the diagram above, I think it is wise for you to have a better understanding of what coat of arms is all about.
Meaning of Coat of Arms
“Coat of Arms is the distinctive heraldic bearings or shield of a person, family, corporation, or country”.
That is according from the English definition. Now, check below for the full meaning.
A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard. The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement which in its whole consists of shield, supporters, crest, and motto. A coat of arms is traditionally unique to an individual person, family, state, organization or corporation.
Now, you have an idea of what coat of arms is all about, let me now show you what the flowers of Nigeria Coat of Arms and other symbols represent.
Nigeria Coat of Arms Features and What Each Stands For
The Nigeria Coat of Arms has seven permanent features, and each symbolizes a particular entity or virtue of the country. Below are the list of the features and what they symbolizes.
- A black shield: This symbolizes the fertile soil you will find in NIgeria
- Two white wavy bands on the shield, which form the letter “Y”: This represents Nigeria’s main inland waterways – the River Niger and River Benue.
- Two horses on either side of the shield: This represents the dignity and pride of Nigeria.
- Some flowers at the base: The yellow flowers at the base are Coctus spectabilis, a type of flower that is found in some parts of Nigeria.
- An eagle standing on the shield: This represents the pride of Nigeria.
- The wreath (with green and white bands) upon which the eagles stands: This represents the rich agricultural potential of Nigeria.
- The nation’s motto on the band around the base of the shield: The National motto “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”. The motto was adopted in 1978, and before that time, the country’s motto was “Peace, Unity, Freedom”.
Also read: History of Democracy in Nigeria
Who Designed the Nigeria Coat of Arms?
The actual person or people who designed the Nigeria Coat of Arms is/are not officially documented. So, if you are So, if you are looking for that exact fact, you, might not arrive at a something tangible. Though, national symbols such as the national flag are known to have been designed by a student named M.T. Akinwunmi, who won a nationwide competition in 1959.
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