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WEEK 8:OBJECTS OF NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS – NATIONAL SYMBOLS
TOPIC: OBJECTS OF NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS – NATIONAL SYMBOLS SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
- Define National consciousness
- Explain National identity
- Define National symbols
- List the six National symbols
- Describe the National symbols
NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS
National Consciousness is the awareness, understanding, feeling and belief of a people of a nation concerning its activities and how people contribute to issues of national interest. Equally, national consciousness could mean a strong love and feeling for one’s country. Thus, the welfare, wellbeing, progress and greatness of the country should come first in one’s mind before any other thing.
NATIONAL IDENTITY
National identity is those features used to indicate that the country is one which include beliefs or practices that unite a nation. Nigeria national identity helps to distinguish Nigerian citizens and activities from that of other countries. National identity is facilitated by using National symbols Nigerian currency, Nigeria coat of Army, Nigeria National flag etc are perculiar or common to Nigeria.
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
National symbols are various objects or signs that are used to know Nigeria and Nigerians. These symbols help in distinguishing Nigeria and Nigerians from other countries and people of the world.
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
National symbols of Nigeria include
- The Nigeria National coat of Arms
- The Nigeria National flag
- The Nigeria National Pledge
- The Nigeria National currency
- The Nigeria National Anthem
- The Nigeria National passport
THE NIGERIA NATIONAL COAT OF ARMS
This is the national logo or the official stamp of the nation. It was adopted in 1960 when Nigeria became independent. It was designed by Michael Akinkumi in 1959 alongside the National flag. It symbolises unity in diversity. There are seven permanent features of Nigerian coat of arms.
- A red eagle which represents national strength and pride
- The black shield shows the fertility of Nigeria land.
- The Y-shape silver band on the shoulder represents the River Niger and River Benue and their confluence
- The two white horses signifying dignity and importance
- The ground on which the shield stands is cactus spectabilis, which represents the Nigerian colourful flower found in all parts of Nigeria
- The wreath of flowers on which the eagle perches is the Nigerian’s National colours of green and white signifying honour and adoration
- Then, at the base, is our national motto - unity and faith, peace and progress.
NIGERIA NATIONAL FLAG
The Nigeria National flag was designed by a Yoruba man by name Michael Akinkumi in the year 1959. The flag was first used on the 1st of October, 1960 when Nigeria became an independent state, as such lead to replacement of the British colonial flag called the British union Jack. Nigerian flag comprises of two colour; green and white. The green colour stands for fertile agricultural land of the country, while white colour represents peace, unity and transparency.
The flag should be flung in front of public building or environment, secretariat, stadium where they can be saluted as a mark of respect to the nation. The flag is completely flung. But, when something tragic occurs, it is flung half-mast and completely down if for instance a serving head of state dies or an important dignitary.
THE NIGERIA NATIONAL PLEDGE
The Nigeria National pledge is regarded as an oath or promises of the citizens to comply with its laws. It was approved on 6th Sept, 1976 by the supreme Military council.
THE PLEDGE
I pledge to Nigeria my country
to be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory
So help me God.
THE NIGERIA NATIONAL ANTHEM
The Nigeria National Anthem was composed by Ben Odiase in 1978 to be read or sang as a song. It has two stanzas. The first stanza remains us to maintain the efforts of our past heroes who sacrificed their lives and resources for independent of Nigeria. The second stanza is a prayer unto God Almighty to guide and direct our noble course to the right path, help leaders and youth to develop virtues necessary for building a just, peaceful, and great nation
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Arise O compatriot
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our father land
with love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom
Peace and unity
SECOND STANZA
O god of creation
Direct our noble course
Guide thou our leaders right
Help our youth to have the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.
THE NIGERIA NATIONAL PASSPORT
This is an official or legal document with which a Nigerian citizen can be identified and which also serves as a ticket to anyone who intends to travel out to other countries of the world. A Nigerian without national passport will find it difficult to travel outside the country. Before the national passport will be valid for travel, it must first be submitted to the embassy of the foreign country in Nigeria to stamp in visa in the passport to enable the person travel. The ambassadors or high commissioners are responsible for granting visa. The content of national passport includes: names, date of birth, colour of eyes, occupation, special mark of identity and height. The national passport shows the nation’s integrity and credibility outside. Therefore, holders of the passport should behave well in other countries outside Nigeria border in order not to destroy the good name of the country.
THE NIGERIA NATIONAL CURRENCY
The Nigeria National currency which is popularly named Naira and Kobo is another symbol of national identity because of its features. The currency is in form of notes and coin (ie paper and metal). It is printed, minted and issued by the central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which also controls and maintains its valve. The Nigerian currency is in different denominations. The notes are one thousand naira, five hundred naira, two hundred naira, one hundred naira, fifty naira, twenty naira, ten naira and five naira. Most of these notes bear the nomenclature of Nigerian leaders.
DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS CURRENCIES
- The one thousand naira note bears the images of Dr. Clement Isong and Alhaji Aliyu mai-Bornu both of whom were former Governors of central bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- The five hundred naira note, on it, the picture of Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe the first president of the federal Republic of Nigeria.
- The two hundred naira contains the nomenclature of Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the then premier of the northern region.
- The one hundred naira note has the picture of one of the founding fathers of the Yoruba political institution and one time premier of the western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo
- The fifty naira note has a pictorial representation of the four ethic group in the country
- The twenty naira note has the portrait of one time military Head of state General Murtala Mohamed
- The ten naira note bears the picture of chief Alvan Ikoku, a renounced Igbo Educationist
- The five naira note, on its face is the picture of Alhaji Abubaka Tafawa Belewa. The coins were in denomination of one kobo, five kobo, ten kobo, twenty five kobo, fifty kobo, one naira and two naira. Our currency which is a symbol of national identity should not be squeezed or mishandled, otherwise, it will be an abuse of the naira.
EVALUATION: The teacher evaluates his lesson with the following questions:
- Define National consciousness
- Explain National identity
- Define National symbols
- List the six National symbols
- Describe the National symbols
ASSIGNMENT: Draw the National coat of Arms, various units of National Currency, National Flag and National Passport, identifying the colours (in a cardboard sheet or in your note).
