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The Federal Capital
Today, Nigeria is administered as a federation of 36 states and a mayoralty (Abuja, the new federal capital). Each state of the federation has responsibility for generating revenue to finance its own activities complemented with revenue from the federal government, which has exclusive control over such ares as defense, external affairs, currency, mising, and the collection of custom duties, among others.
The 774 local governments constitute the third tier of government and the smallest unit of development closest to the grassroots. Local governments in Nigeria have residual authority over such local issues, such as garbage collection, primary school education, and community health centers. They are, by constitution, guaranteed a percentage of state and federal revenues with which to finance their specific responsibilities. The first local government elections held under the new political agenda was in 1990.
The Coat of Arms
The shield, which is black, represents the good earth of Nigeria. The wavy bands of silver on the shield represent the River Niger and Benue, and their junction and confluence.
The supporters (two white horses) represent dignity. The ground on which the bearing stand is Cactus Spectabilis, which is a common wild flower throughout Nigeria.
The wreath is in Nigeria's national colors (green and white), and the eagle stands for strength. Unity and faith, peace and progress is the Nigerian motto.
The Flag
The flag is divided vertically into three equal parts. The central part is white, and the two outside parts are green. The green of the flag represents agriculture, and the white part represents unity and peace.
The 36 States and Their Capitals
State - Capital
Abia State - Umuahia
Adamawa State - Yola
Akwa Ibom State - Uyo
Anambra State - Awka
Bauchi State - Bauchi
Bayelsa State - Yenagoa
Benue State - Makurdi
Borno State - Maiduguri
Cross River State - Calabar
Delta State - Asaba
Ebonyi State - Abakaliki
Edo State - Benin City
Ekiti State - Ado-Ekiti
Enugu State - Enugu
Federal Capital Territory Abuja
Gombe State - Gombe
Imo State - Owerri
Jigawa State - Dutse
Kaduna State - Kaduna
Kano State - Kano
Katsina State - Katsina
Kebbi State - Birnin Kebbi
Kogi State - Lokoja
Kwara State - Ilorin
Lagos State - Ikeja
Nassarawa State - Lafia
Niger State - Minna
Ogun State - Abeokuta
Ondo State - Akure
Osun State - Oshogbo
Oyo State - Ibadan
Plateau State - Jos
Rivers State - Port Harcourt
Sokoto State - Sokoto
Taraba State - Jalingo
Yobe State - Damaturu
Zamfara State - Gusau
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 National Pledge
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.
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