The national coat of arms of Nigeria is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and unity. It was adopted on May 20, 1960, shortly before Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. The coat of arms features a black shield with two white stripes that come together at the base, forming a “Y” shape. The black shield represents Nigeria’s fertile soil, while the two supporting horses or chargers on each side represent dignity. The eagle represents strength, while the green and white bands on the top of the shield represent the rich soil.
The red flowers at the base are Costus spectabilis, Nigeria’s national flower. This flower was chosen for inclusion in the coat of arms as it is found all over Nigeria and also stand for the beauty of the nation. On the banderole around the base is Nigeria’s national motto since 1978: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” (formerly “Peace, Unity, Freedom”).
The coat of arms is a reflection of Nigeria’s history and culture. The black shield represents Nigeria’s struggles for independence and the country’s rich soil. The two white stripes represent the two main rivers in Nigeria, the Niger and the Benue. The eagle represents strength and the green and white bands represent Nigeria’s agricultural wealth. The red flowers at the base of the shield represent the beauty of the nation.
The national coat of arms has undergone several changes since its adoption in 1960. In 1971, the coat of arms was modified to include a wreath of flowers around the base of the shield. The flowers in the wreath were chosen to represent Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. In 1978, the national motto was changed from “Peace, Unity, Freedom” to “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”.
The coat of arms is an important symbol of Nigeria’s national identity. It is used on official documents, government buildings, and currency. The coat of arms is also used by the Nigerian military and police. The coat of arms is a reminder of Nigeria’s struggle for independence and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the national coat of arms of Nigeria is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and unity. It features a black shield with two white stripes that come together at the base, forming a “Y” shape. The coat of arms is a reflection of Nigeria’s history and culture, with the black shield representing Nigeria’s struggles for independence and the country’s rich soil. The eagle represents strength, while the green and white bands on the top of the shield represent Nigeria’s agricultural wealth. The red flowers at the base of the shield represent the beauty of the nation. The national coat of arms is an important symbol of Nigeria’s national identity and is used on official documents, government buildings, and currency.