30/09/2013
Nigeria: Our History, Our Flag...
A Brief Historical Background of the National Flag of Nigeria
The national flag was actually designed in the year 1960 by Mr. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, who was then a student studying in London. 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.
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 color represents the rich cultural heritage of the country. As the green color 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.
