THE LABOUR OF OUR HEROES PAST... PART 2; HISTORY BEHIND NIGERIA NATIONAL FLAG AND COAT OF ARMS

The Flag of Nigeria was designed in 1959 and first officially hoisted on October 1, 1960. The flag

is a vertical bicolor of green and white. The two green stripes represent Nigeria's natural wealth, while the white band represents peace.

The designer of the national flag was Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a twenty-three-year-old student. He was studying at Norwich Technical College in England when he saw an advertisement in a newspaper that submissions were being accepted for the design of a new National flag. His ensign of the national flag was adjudged as the best among the other entries for prestigious National Flag Design Competition held at the university campus. The then Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, M.A. Martins like this ensign and passed a proposal to adopt this design as the national flag of Nigeria

The original submission had a red radiating sun badge in the center triptych of one white vertical with a green vertical on each side. After the badge was removed by the judges, the flag has remained unchanged. Like other countries, Nigeria has special ensigns for civil and naval vessels. Some of its states also have flags. He was paid – 100 pounds, equal to $ 281 in 1959.

Nigeria flag as originally designed

However, the Nigerian government has formulated certain set of rules to be followed while unfurling this particular national symbol of high importance;

·         While hoisting the National Flag it should be ceremoniously flown in the morning during sunrise and lowered at sunset as according to them a flag of national importance does not sleep.

·         It's also important to note that the national flag of Nigeria should be hung or half flown on days of state funerals or important memorial days.

·         If in any case, the flag is in a room, then no other flag should be placed higher than that. If the flag is torn out it shouldn't be flown or used but rather burned or destroyed.

The importance of national flag of Nigeria lies in the fact that each colour represents the rich cultural heritage of the country. As the green colour represents the fertile land and agricultural diversity of the land while the white stands for peace and unity at the same time representative of the Niger River that passes through the whole country and is invariably a part of its geographical identity,thus, the national flag of Nigeria truly reflects the Nigerian nationalistic fervor and sentiments.

After years of neglect of the designer of the Nigerian Flag, Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi came to a dramatic end as President Goodluck Jonathan, while conferring him with a national honour award, also announced his appointment as a Special Assistant, with a salary for life.Pa Akinkunmi, also received the National Honours Award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The 79-year-old Akinkunmi now lives in Ibadan. His house, built by one of his son painted in colours of Nigerian flag is a distinctive feature in the area.

Coats of arms

The Nigeria coat of arms was officially adopted in 1975.It represent the country symbol of national unity, state power. It was created in line with the National flag and Coat of Arms Ordinance no 48 of 1960. It was designed by a Bahamian artist and a clergyman, Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain Jr.

Previously, Nigeria had 12 separate States and each had its own coat of arms. The new coat of arms was supposed to serve as a symbol of unity for the Nigerian nation.

Features

·         A black shield, which represent the fertile soil in Nigeria.

·         The two white wavy bands on the shield represent river Niger and Benue, the country main inland waterways.

·         The two horses or chargers on each side of the shield 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")