The Flag Foundation of Nigeria, FFN, has commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, RT. Honourable Benjamin Kalu and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola for their recent admonitions on the correct Nigeria national flag.
FFN has been at the vanguard of educating and enlightening the public on the correctness of Nigeria’s National Flag, explaining that the ‘plain Green-White-Green and not the one with the Coat of Arms in the middle is the correct Nigeria National Flag, its Director General Chris Agiri disclosed.
Fashola, who was also a former governor of Lagos had at the October 1st special Independence Day programme on Channels Television emphasized that the correct national flag of Nigeria is White-Green-White, without the coat of arms.
Also, the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu had while paying tributes
on late designer of the national flag Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi at the House of Representatives admonished his colleagues to respect the national flag, and tutored the public on the correct Nigeria National flag as shown on national television.
“FFN commended the two distinguished Nigerians for the critical interventions in an issue that has become a source of embarrassment to the country. Indeed, it is embarrassing to see purported Nigeria National Flags with Coat of Arms boldly embossed on them being displayed at high places, including government houses in Nigeria.
“It is therefore our hope that the interventions by these patriotic, distinguished Nigerians will end this practice.
“FFN is delighted to note that her campaign for respect of the National Flag, as well as tuition on the correct Nigeria National Flag, is beginning to yield desired results,” Agiri said.
The group further urged Nigerians to study the usage and protocols for the display of the Green-White-Greeen flag of Nigeria, online with the Act which was enacted in 1960 known as Flag and Coat of Arms Ordinance 48 of September 16th, 1960 by First Republic House Representatives presided over by the late Dr Jaja Wachukwu as the speaker.
“This is what informed September 16th as NIGERIA NATIONAL DAY, a day set aside by the FFN to celebrate and commemorate the day the National Flag Act was passed into law, which gave legitimacy to the national flag.
“FFN initiated this commemoration and made history as the first NGO that promoted the much-needed patriotism and respect for the national flag for what it represents and stands for” adding that Nigeria’s National Flag is a symbol of unity, peaceful coexistence, love, care and concern for fellow citizens.
FFN is currently canvassing for an amendment of the instant Flag and Coat of Arms Ordinance 48 of September 16th, 1960 for a fresh one to be known as… NATIONAL FLAG PROTECTION ACT 2023. This proposed amendment, if passed, will be in line with the global best practice on national flag protocols, usage, and display and would go a long way in patriotic reawakening and strengthening the national consciousness of Nigerians.