THINGS REMEMBERED: National Flags: Not Just Mere Symbols

The history of national flags is a rich and complex one, spanning centuries and continents. Denmark has globally been credited with hosting the first national flag, with its design dating back to 1219. The Dannebrog, a white Scandinavian cross on a red background, is recognised as the oldest national flag

However, flags have ancient origins.

Historically, flags, or vexilloids, were used in ancient civilisations such as Egypt, China and Rome for identification and signalling.

In Medieval Europe, Heraldic flags emerged in the 12th Century, which displayed coats of arms and symbols of nobility.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, flags became standardised, with national symbols, colours and motifs. National flags hold different meanings for various countries. Universally, they are versatile symbols with multiple purposes.

As national identities, they represent national sovereignty, unity and pride.

In government, flags are flown at public buildings, offices and institutions. At global events, flags are displayed at international gatherings such as sports and diplomatic missions.

The military uses them in ceremonies, uniforms and as a symbol of patriotism. Flags also represent a nation’s history, values and heritage. They can equally be used for solidarity or dissent. In some cases, citizens burn them to show their rejection of the government and unpopular public policies.

In Nigeria, the national flag, flown in 1960 at the country’s independence from Britain, features green and white, which represent agriculture and peace.

According to Britannica, the Nigerian flag emerged as work toward Independence intensified, leading to the establishment of a national planning committee. The committee, in 1958, called for a competition to select a national flag. Almost 3,000 designs were submitted, many of great complexity. The winning design was by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a Nigerian student in London. In his flag of equal green-white-green vertical stripes, green stood for agriculture and white for unity and peace. The original design also included a red quarter sun on the white stripe as a symbol of divine protection and guidance, but the committee omitted this.

The new national flag became official on Independence Day, October 1, 1960.