Australian Research Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (ARJHMS, Vol.11, No
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Australian Research Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (ARJHMS, Vol.11, No. 1, February 2019 || gubdjournals.org CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF DESIGN CONTENT IN NIGERIAN COAT OF ARM By Charles G. T. Omuaru (Ph. D) Email: [email protected] Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, P. M. B. 5047, Port Harcourt Abstract The Nigerian Coat of Arms has existed shortly before the formation of the country but its presence is probably hardly noticed except few, neither are the meaning of the symbols expounded, nor its usefulness catches the attention of many. And often times wrongly used in public gathering, so is the legal injunction unpopular. As a result, wrong assertions have been attributed to some of the symbols in the design. This paper is designed to examine, analyse, interpret and evaluate the design content of the Coat of Arms for information and education of the public. Hence, the methodology employed is content analysis for the education of the public of the component parts. The findings reveal that the symbols do not reflect the entity called Nigeria, more so, indigenous emblems should have been more appropriate. It is recommended that experts should be drawn from the six geopolitical zones to recreate the Coat of Arms for a more harmonious synergy that would be all inclusive. The Coat of Arms reveals that there is strength in unity. Keywords: Coat of arm, Critical analysis, Symbols, Meaning and Evaluation. Introduction: Every nation in the world is identified with some graphic symbols, designed to represent the characteristics of its geographical location, peoples, strength and the philosophy that governs its people and their aspirations. Some of these symbols universally used are the Flag and the Coat– of-arm, Currency, National anthem, Map and the Pledge. These are displayed in international, continental and regional gathering for identification, expression of ideals and symbols of national characteristics. In this paper, the coat-of-arm is identified as a viable instrument of national symbol and cohesion, and it is therefore evaluated based on its concepts, design and signification. The paper therefore is designed to relate the history, describe, analyse, interpret and evaluate the coat of arms. An Overview of Nigeria’s history and the coat of arm The coat of arm is an insignia, a symbol and instrument of authority that represents the rich culture and diversity of the peoples, the past, present and the splendour of the country. Nigeria is rich and blessed country; these are expressed in certain graphic symbols which form the Coat of Arms. Other symbols that herald the country in its outings include: the Nigerian national Anthem, (the old and the new), the Pledge, Flag, Map and the Nigerian Currency. The Nigerian National Anthem (Current) Period (1991 to present) Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey. To serve our fatherland. 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. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right. Help our youth and truth to know In love and honesty to grow 104 | P a g e Australian Research Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (ARJHMS, Vol.11, No. 1, February 2019 || gubdjournals.org And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. The Old National Anthem Period (1960 to 1970) Nigeria we hail thee Our own dear native land Though tribe and tongue may differ In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all and proud to serve Our sovereign motherland Our flag shall be a symbol That truth and justice reign In peace or battle honour And this we count as gain To pass unto our children A banner without stain O God of all creation Grant this our one request Help us to build a nation Where no man is oppressed And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed 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 honor and glory So help me God. Plate ii: The Nigerian flag 105 | P a g e Australian Research Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (ARJHMS, Vol.11, No. 1, February 2019 || gubdjournals.org Plate iii: The map of Nigeria Plate iv: Different denominations of the Nigerian currency. The Nigerian Currency Among the Nigerian national symbols, the Currency has undergone greater number of changes in intervals, denominations, sizes, icons in personality and objects of interest as well as motifs and colours than any other symbol. The first notable currency during colonial presence was the Pounds sterling, which was likened to the British Pound, but was changed after the Nigeria civil war (between Biafra and Nigeria). However, Biafran leaders in order to attain a sovereign state amongst others introduced its currency, used within the territory. Nevertheless, it functioned effectively within Biafra land as long as the war lasted(See plate v). The Biafran Pound notes 106 | P a g e Australian Research Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (ARJHMS, Vol.11, No. 1, February 2019 || gubdjournals.org were first introduced in 1968 and tendered up to 1970 which included 5-shilling, one pound followed by other denominations(Linzmayer, 2011). The first system of commerce known to the traditional African communities, especially in Nigeria before the coming of the Arabians in the North and the Europeans in the South was trade by barter. Cowries and manilas were the means of exchange for goods and services. To make commerce thrive as it was in Europe, the then colonial administrators established West African Currency Board which was responsible for issuing out the Bank notes that covered the West African region, between 1912 to 1959. The systematic development of the country attracted a lot of attention and business, trade and commerce, therefore the need for a central Bank of Nigeria was necessary, and in 1959 it became a reality. Nevertheless, the following year, the country gained her independence which bequeathed responsibility to the Africans and demanded service, therefore implying that there will be necessary changes. The changes were inevitable, from the year 1959 culminating to 1962 and 1968, the beginning of Nigeria and the Biafran civil war gave impetus to changes in the Nigerian currency. The reasons were to strengthen the currency, sustain the economy and prevent misuse (Central bank of Nigeria, 2016). After the civil war, it was expected that the mess must be cleaned up and this affected the banks and it duties, which included issuance of bank notes. Therefore, 1971, 1973 and 1977 saw close changes; these were designed to tag along with the new era and the honour bestowed to the slain military leader, Murtala Mohammed. The changes were made on the bank notes with respect to colour, personalities, objects of national interest and denominations continued and by 1991 new denominations were introduced to enhance commerce. Similarly, in responding to the needs of economic growth, expansion, efficient payment of goods and services higher denominations were introduced in 1991, 2000, 2001, 2005 and 2007. The last of currency change in Nigeria was the N100 (one hundred Naira) to celebrate Nigeria’s 100 years anniversary. A brief history of Nigeria The name Nigeria came from a foreign coinage, to designate the then British protectorates that encompass the Northern and Southern Protectorates, the land mass surrounding the River Niger and the Benue River confluences as well as the ocean and its tributaries in the Delta Region. The peoples of these areas had a long-standing history of organized societies of ancient Kingdoms, Caliphates, Empires and City States. The first foreign incursion was by the Islamists, who carried out several Jihadists expeditions, in the core northern part of the country, extending into some western settlements. The Southern part was through the curios expeditions of the Europeans, who carried out several expeditions and as a result, the African States were discovered; thereafter came traders of several goods including slave trade, evangelism and eventually colonization took place(Abubakar, 2010). The resultant effect was balkanization and distribution of African States to the then world powers. The seeming country, Niger area (the southern and northern protectorates) was therefore allocated to the British. Thereafter, the unification of the northern and southern protectorates was established by Lord Lugard, who later became its first Governor General. Nigeria as it became known was formed out of many nations, with diverse cultures, languages, religions, social background and geographical terrains (Ajayi, 2012). The Nigerian Coat of Arms As a result of this formation, there was the need for bonding of the ethnic groups, hence, theNational Flag, the Pledge and the Coat of Arms were introduced; and by the year 1960, the ordinance of the Coat-of-Arms was made public and the present design was adopted (See Plate v). However, this was not entirely a new development, Britain has its national flag and Coat of arm, and so many other nations of the world, old and new. As presented in the ordinance, it is a symbol of authority and an instrument of governance. The motifs or elements in the coat of arms 107 | P a g e Australian Research Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (ARJHMS, Vol.11, No. 1, February 2019 || gubdjournals.org represent the rich cultural diversity along with the past historical splendour of the country. A symbol, by the explanation of Preble (1994) is ‘an identifying mark based on pictorial (rather than topographic)’. By and large, the coat of arm is an insignia and an emblem which gives an insight, graphically, what a country stands for, designed specifically for that country, distinct from other countries’ emblems.