Today we take a look at the flags, coat of arms, logos, symbols and monuments of the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.


All Nigerian regions and territories had their own individual flags and symbols in 1960. This was also the case with the new states that were created in 1967. The state flags usually consisted of the Nigerian flag, with the state coat of arms in the middle of the flag.


However, the Murtala regime (c1975) discouraged the use of state flags. This was at a time that the military regimes of the 1970s were moving us closer to a unitary system by taking over state and private owned newspapers, television stations and universities. States were instead encouraged to use the Nigerian coat of arms, placed in a circle with the name of the state around it, as their symbol.

Some states (eg Lagos) resumed using their pre-1975 flags and coat of arms after the return to democracy in 1979.

The return to democracy again in 1999 has emboldened more states to design new flags and symbols (eg Cross River, Osun and Bayelsa). Some states have resumed using their pre-1975 flags (eg Kano and Lagos), while some states still use their military era symbols (eg Adamawa).

Section 4 (2) of the flags and coat of arms act is still in force. http://www.nigeria-law.org/FlagsAndCoatOfArmsAct.htm

1) Lagos State.

Lagos pre-1960


Federal Capital Territory Lagos (1960-1967), Lagos State (1967-1970).


Lagos State flag (1970-present).


Lagos State coat of arms.

WHITE CAP “KEREMESI”: This denotes a symbol of authority common to most areas in Lagos State.

AKOKO LEAVES: These are universally used at the installation of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos State and all over Yoruba land to signify longevity.

COWRIES: This signifies the earliest medium of exchange in Lagos State. And the background indicates the colour of foreshore sands common to all the divisions of Lagos State.

WHEEL: It signifies industry and the red background indicate flames generating power.

FISHING ACTIVITIES: It denotes traditional occupation of the inhabitants of Lagos State.

COCONUT PALM: It represents one of the main agricultural products of Lagos State.

MOTTO: Justice and Progress.
JUSTICE: Signifies necessity in the State to give everyman his due without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

PROGRESS: Signifies the hopes and aspirations of the people of Lagos State for the Future.

THREE LINES: Dividing the shields is shown to demonstrate the present, past and future.

It looks fine showing the heritages of the state
But to think if it there is not gain or special feeling in making front page and being the first to comment ...people make it look as if it's a very big deal.

2) Osun State

Osun State flag.


The seven cowries represent the seven grandsons of Olofin Oduduwa. Their military valour, diplomatic dexterity and trade mastery created wealth and resulted in their expansive kingdom.

The Brown Colour represents the colour of the earth and tone of the skin.

The Ori Olokun stands for the common origin of the Yoruba and their dexterity in technology.

The Colour Band which is the Pan-African flag consists of official colours of the African race: the colour red represents the blood bond among Africans. The colour black depicts the existence of the black race; the colour green denotes the abundance of wealth on the continent of Africa; The gold depicts the abundant mineral resources of Africa.

Osun State coat of arms.

The Osun State coat of arms is adapted from the Western Region coat of arms.

The two elephants in the Coat of Arms symbolises strength, service and humility.

The brown colour emphasises the unity of our skin and the soil. A clear testimony that we own the earth.

The cocoa tree symbolises agriculture and the natural resources of the land.

The Y on the shield represents River Niger and Benue which symbolise the link between State of Osun and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The lion stands for Yoruba nobility, dignity and courage while its cushion of ferns represents the traditional lair of an African Lion and the richness of our land.

The two symbols of the Chief’s sword (Ida) and The Mace embody the spirit and purpose of Osun. The Sword is the symbol of the Obas while the Mace is the symbol of the Legislative Arm of Government and the power of the common people as expressed by their elected representative.

The Ori Olokun stands for the common origin of the Yoruba and their dexterity in technology, while the garland surrounding it symbolises chivalry and triumph.

The Timber represents the vegetation as a rain forest zone.

The Indigo colour (Aro) of the upper part of the shield symbolises the common Adire wear in Yorubaland while the Ruby Red colour (Alaari) of the lower part of the shield signifies nobility.

The Motto; Liberty & Service shows this are guaranteed for the people by the government while Justice is moral rightness based on fairness and equity to all irrespective of their status, gender or religion.

Osun State Government logo



Osun State Anthem.

Ise wa fun ile wa
Fun Ile Ibi Wa
Ka gbee ga
Ka gbee ga
Ka gbee ga fun aye ri

Igbagbo wa ni pe
Bati beru la bomo
Ka sise
Ka sise
Ka sise ka jo la

Isokan ati ominira
Ni ke je ka maa lepa
Tesiwaju f opo ire
Ati ohun to dara

Omo Oodua dide
Bo si ipo eto re
Iwo ni imole
Gbogbo Adulawo

3) Bayelsa State

Former Bayelsa State flag.


Former Bayelsa coat of arms.


Current Bayelsa State flag

The flag has four colours (white, blue, red and green) and three stars.

The white colour represents purity, honour and truthfulness of the people and their quest for justice. 

The blue colour represents the abundance of waters and their inherent resources.

The red colour represents the memory and sacrifices of our heroes.

The green colour represents rich vegetation. 

Stars: represent the hopes and aspirations of our people.

Current Bayelsa State coat of arms.

The Shark: the aquatic mastery and strength of the people.

Crocodile: the rugged and the amphibious  nature of the people

Leopard: denotes strength, agility, resilience, and intellect  of the  people

The ‘Oil Rig’: signifies the first oil well discovered in Nigeria located in the State which also has abundance of oil  and gas resources.

Fishing Activities: the traditional occupation of the Ijaw people

The Sun: the light on the people.

Canoe: denotes the craftsmanship of the Ijaw people

Green Vegetation: denotes the greenery of Bayelsa State with mangroves criss-crossed by rivers, rivulets, streams, creeks, lakes and lagoons.

The Palm Tree: signifies the rich agricultural endowment of the State.

MOTTO: TRUTH, JUSTICE AN D SERVICE
Truth connotes Ijaw 

Justice connotes the need to ensure justice for everyone – without fear, affection or favour 

Service connotes the willingness of the Ijaw people to always render service to mankind.

Bayelsa State Government logo

4) Ekiti State.

Ekiti State flag.


Ekiti State logo



The Woven Cord

The woven cord depicts the culturally homogenous nature of the Ekiti people. Ours is the only state where all the towns and villages are suffixed with "Ekiti".

The New Dawn

The New Dawn symbolizes Ekiti's place as the emerging land of opportunities. It symbolizes the hope and optimism associated with the Ekiti people which makes us rise above challenges, to ensure we remain on the path of peace and progress.

The Rolling Hills

The Rolling Hills depict the topography of our land, forming the backdrop of the beautiful scenery. It is the origin of our name "Ile Olokiti"

The Vegetation

The Vegetation depicts the fruitfulness of our land. It symbolizes a land blessed with an abundance of a wide variety of natural resources. It also represents the mainstay of our livelihood - Agriculture.

The Water

The Water represents the springs in EKiti State, particularly the Ikogosi Spring - the only place in the whole world where hot and cold water springs naturally occur side by side. A wonder to the world, a pride to us.

The Book

The Book depicts the enlightenment of the Ekiti people. The Ekiti people love knowledge and celebrate wisdom.

5) Anambra State
Former Anambra State logo.


Current Anambra State coat of arms.

The new coat of arms and symbol of Anambra state is made up of the following elements:

UGO DI EBUBE: -Ugo di ebube stands for Royalty, Pride and Excellence in Igbo cosmology. No other bird typifies the Anambra person better than the Royal Eagle.

NKWUNKWU in Igbo cosmology denotes plenty. The pair here represent the wealth of talents that abound in both the male and female citizens of Anambra.

THE NIGER BRIDGE: - This engineering artistry is iconic. The Niger bridge symbolizes the gateway into the heart of the Igbo nation.

IGWEBUIKE.. the 21 active currents...Symbolises our 21 local government areas. This represents the continuous developmental energy of our people

OKIKEOKIKE: - symbolizes dignity, honour, nobility. It is positioned at the base because the foundation of our aspirations is based on the time honoured igbo tradition of truth, honesty and hardwork.....the tapestry on each of the tusks symbolizes the industry, dexterity and creative essence that lead to the height of our achievements.

THE PENNY: - The round coin under the roped pot is the penny of the old days. The penny sign stands for Aku na Uba. We are proud business and craft men who travel around the world doing business.....The circle at the centre of the penny shows our continuing readiness to put at the centre of all our action, God Almighty who is depicted here by a circle – having neither beginning nor an ending.

THE ROPED POT: - The Roped Pot symbolizes the art of metal works among our people. It also represents the history and success of this ancient art.

Ugu leaves and blooming petals of sunflower..Symbolise our prosperity in agriculture and a hearty and cheerful people.

Anambra State Government logo.

6) Ogun State.
Ogun State flag.


Ogun State logo


Ogun State Government logo


Ogun State Anthem

Ise ya a
Ise ya a a
Ise ya a a
Omo Ogun ise ya a
Olodumare ise ma ya o e e
Ise ya

Enyin omo Ogun e se giri
Ise po fun wa lati se e e
Omo rere ki isa se e
Omo Ogun ki i s’o le e
Ebere gb’eru o o
Olorun mbe fun wa
E tera mose o oIse ya
Omo Ogun ise ya a.

7) Cross River State

Cross River/South-Eastern State flag (1967-1975).


Cross River State flag (2005-present)


Cross River State logo.

9) Oyo State


Published on 4 Jul 2012

Governor Abiola Ajimobi has unveiled a new official logo through which the state would henceforth be identified.

The logo includes the shield which represents the corporate amour for law enforcement and protection of the state, the Cocoa House and the University of Ibadan which symbolize a state of many firsts and landmarks of intellectualism and development.

It also includes a talking drum and beaded gourd which, according to the governor, celebrates the deep traditional root and rich cultural heritage of the state.

According to Ajimobi, the galaxy of stars on the logo symbolizes the 33 local government areas of the state and the green fields, with a harvest of agricultural produce, while the last symbol stands for the arable land mass of the state.

Governor Ajimobi, while unveiling the logo at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor's Office, shortly after the weekly state Executive Council Meeting, said it was a reflection of the cultural heritage of the state.

According to him, the logo epitomizes the restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda of his administration that would take the state to greater heights.The governor also said that the logo would represent the new identity for the state through which the uniqueness of the state would be appreciated.

He said that this was the first time that the state would have a logo of its own, pointing out that this had really confirmed it as ``a pace setter state with a pace setting government.''


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGxwR54-2xU

10) Kwara State
Kwara State flag (1967-1975)


Kwara State logo (2012-present)


Kwara State Government logo.

Kano State flag (1967-present)


Kano State logo

13) Ondo State

Ondo State flag


Ondo State logo

14) Rivers State
Rivers State Flag (1967-1975)


Rivers State flag

(The Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari told Vanguard that the state is redesigning its flag because what it had, had been taken over by Cross Rivers State.)

Rivers State Government logo.

17) Borno State
Borno State flag


Borno State Government logo

18) Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom State logo


Akwa Ibom State Government logo.

20) Kaduna State
Kaduna State flag


Kaduna State logo

21) Abia State

Abia State logo


Abia State Government logo


Abia State flag

25) Imo State



Imo State Government logo.