The Nigerian Flag was "Chosen" in 1959 from among 2870 suggestions in a competition; it was designed by a student (not an eminent public figure) from the University of Ibadan, Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (who ironically does not have a reputable National Honour as at least the Officer of the Federal Republic – OFN).
Officially adopted on the 1st of October, 1960, the flag was to represent the (now independent) nation of Nigeria that had just redeemed itself from the clutches of the Great Britain colonial rule.
The Nigerian National flag is divided vertically into three equal parts. The central part, which is white, symbolizes peace and unity, and the two outer parts which are green, symbolize the nation's vast agricultural wealth. Certainly, with the current downturn of event of post-independence, we should be calling for a review of the colours of our flag.
Am I talking crazy? Let me explain. The Green colour on both end of the flag represent agriculture, right? And the country used to thrive on the abundance and economical benefits which accrued from agricultural wealth, right? What is the tune of today? "Crude Oil". Crude Oil exportation has so trenched the efforts of farmers that they are giving out their lands almost freely for the drilling of this "Black Gold". So it would be fair to add the colour "Black" to signify that our economy now thrives on the exportation and sale of Crude oil.
That is not all, every country that went through a form of struggle to attain independence or to attain the feat they are today, emphasizes that effort on their flags by adding the colour "Red". The colour Red might mean "danger" (and so is black associated with evil in this part of the world; I don't know of else where), but it had been used to emphasize the struggles (wars included) for their independence, not just to beautify a cloth, fancifully to represent the country's image. We struggled to gain independence! People died in the struggle; many were enslaved; rights reduced to irritating assurance on paper; yet the "Green White Green" was adopted in 1960...(how sincere!).
Apperently, our leaders (and nationalists) then, saw a bright future for the country, considering how it became independent. The unification of the tribes (ethnic groups) with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, under one umbrella body (country) to be called "The Niger Area" must have promulgated the idea of introducing the colour White (signifying peace and unity) in the middle of the flag. What do we have today? Outright Nepotism and favouritism through Ethnicity!
Today, the sweet tale of our heroes past has been rubbished! Are we still agriculturally dependent (economic wise) as a source of Gross Domestic Product, speak less of a Gross National one? Didn't we have a ravaging civil war that almost tore the country apart? And who says the country is peaceful, or that it is still as united as it was in 1960 (especially with this recent clamour for zoning)?
Every Nigerian is quite aware that corruption has rooted itself into the very foundation of the country and its various economic sectors, yet because of our "shortsightedness" and "dogmatism" to religion, everyone feels its a norm and pray to God without acting. Even the Bible makes us understand that Prayers without action is effortless.
Please, let us be sincere with ourselves, the flag does not really tell the true identity and history of our country Nigeria. I know many have come to embrace the flag as that of Nigeria, but do they really have a choice; every country should have a flag so why not accept whatever you are given? Yeah right...where is the sincerity in that?!
The Nigerian National Flag, which is governed by the Flag and Coat-of-Arms Ordinance of 1960 is also the symbol of authority and instrument of state power. "Next to Mother earth, it (the flag) is the only National symbol worth dying for. It tells the history of a people and their aspirations" - Phil Nelson (2007). How many Nigerians are ready to do that? We have become so complacent and docile to say the least.
Note also that according to the Nigerian Constitution, the "...improper placement/display or absence of these symbols in offices of Principal Officers/Chief Executives constitutes an offence...". Really? I hope those in public places are not exceptions, because some visibly seen in places (I choose not to mention names) are more of coloured rags on poles.
I can not deny that I am a Nigerian; a proud and patriotic one at that! I do not have another country to call my own (àjó dà b’ílé). But come to think of it, how many of us young people remember the national anthem, or even the pledge? Has our myopic and misguided definition of patriotism made many of us – supposed "future" leaders – complacent? Why do we wish not to speak the truth at all times? Could it be because we do not want to offend those "fingers" that feed us? Or we do not wish to (constructively) criticize our leaders who have committed the most egregious blunders that put the country in the situation it is today...Let us tell ourselves the truth for once!
To those of you who have spared time to read this commentary and claim to be true Nigerians, can any of you recite the second stanza of the National Anthem and also recite the Pledge? I know many only recited them while they were in (grade) school, an after that it goes into the archive of the brain (so let me make that question a take home assignment).
As an advice to our youths, “be the (positive) change you want to see in the world”, it begins with you. It is only fool-hardy to die with your ideas and opinions still in you …spread it!
And by the way, if you want a proposal from me for the colour of our flag, I'd say "Green, White, Black" with a tool (probably a cutlass) on a small red circle in the middle of the flag. It may look "Weird" and discombobulating, but surely, it would be sincere and emphatic!
God bless Nigeria! God bless Nigerians!! God bless us all!!!
| Posted: at | |
Well, I feel you sha. But because peace is not here now, doesn't mean we can't work towards it. The person that created the flag and the symbolisms wanted a peaceful couuntry whether it was really so or not. There is a saying that..."thinking becomes reality." So the more you think it and believe it, the more it becomes reality. 
TRENDING GISTS 
Pregnant Woman Dies Mid-operation As Jehovah’s Witness Doctor Refuses Blood Transfusion
Ganduje Sparks Controversy With One-Party State Remarks Amid Wave Of Defections
2025 U-20 AFCON: Check Out All 8 Teams That Qualified For Quarter-Finals
Watch Loved-Up Moment Portable's Wife, Ashabi Shared With The Singer (Video)