Topic: National Consciousness and Identity
Contents:
- Meaning of Consciousness
- Meaning of National Consciousness
- Meaning of National Identity
- Meaning of National Symbol
Meaning of Consciousness
Consciousness means being able to use one’s sense and mental powers to understand events happening at particular point in time. Consciousness is the state or quality of awareness, or, of being aware of an external object or something within oneself. It has been defined as: sentience, awareness, subjectivity, the ability to experience or to feel, wakefulness, having a sense of selfhood, and the executive control system of the mind.
National Consciousness
National Consciousness is the level of a person’s awareness of issues and happenings in the nation and how they affect him/her and others in the nation. It is the love and affection for oneself. This self awareness that translates to self consciousness.
National Identity
National Identity is the act of belonging and identifying with a nation. It is represented by the symbols, beliefs, culture and heritages for which the country is known and identified with. These include national symbols like currency, pledge, national anthem, coat of arms, etc. National identity is one’s identity or sense of belonging to one state or to one nation. It is the sense of a nation as a cohesive whole, as represented by distinctive traditions, culture, language and politics.
The National Symbols
- The National Flag: The Nigerian flag which was designed by Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1958 is made up of two colours; white and green. The white part stands for Peace and Unity while the Green represents our rich Agriculture. It is placed in important public places like schools as a sign of patriotism.
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- Nigerian Coat of Arms: This is an emblem of national unity. It has a black Shield representing the good soil of the country, an Eagle which represents strength while the two white Horses represent the dignity and pride of the country. The river Niger and river Benue which flows through parts of the nation are represented by the “Y” symbol marked on the shield. The Flower represents the beauty of the nation. The motto of the country “Unity and Faith” is written in the coat of arms.
- The Currency: This is the legal tender (means of transaction) peculiar to the country. This is in units of naira and kobo; with the lowest denomination being five kobo (5k) while the highest is one thousand naira (₦1000). These currencies are universally accepted as means of exchange.
- The Pledge: It is a solemn promise made by the citizens of Nigeria that they would be loyal to their country. The Nigerian pledge is said thus:
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.
- The National Anthem: It was adopted in 1978 and replaced the previous anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee. The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.
The National Anthem
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor 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
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
The Old National Anthem
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
- The Nigerian passport: This is a document issued by the federal government to citizens who wish to travel to other countries as a means of identity for such individual. Others are:
- The constitution
- The map of Nigeria
- Unity lamp
- The national identity card.
Test and Exercise
- Being able to use one’s sense and mental powers to understand events happening at particular point in time is known as (a) ability (b) knowledge (c) consciousness (d) identity
- The Nigeria flag was designed by (a) Flora Shaw (b) Taiwo Akinwunmi (c) Goodluck Jonathan (d) Taiwo Olawunmi
- The eagle in the Nigeria coat of arms represent (a) the beauty of the nation (b) the strength of the nation (c) the dignity and pride of the nation (d) the good soil of the land
- ———– is the level of a person’s awareness of issues and happenings in the nation and how they affect him/her and others in the nation. It is the love and affection for oneself. (a) international consciousness (b) national consciousness (c) personal consciousness (d) general consciousness
- The act of belonging and identifying with a nation is (a) national identity (b) national consciousness (c) national symbol (d) none of the above http://passnownow.com/classwork-support/