Lagos State Logo: image, meaning and description

Without a doubt, you will agree that the Lagos State logo or coat of arm is the official seal and symbol that is being used to represent or recognize government of Lagos state government.

Although it is popularly called Lagos state logo, the official seal was designed immediately after the creation of the magnificent Lagos State.

As it has been provided by the Constitution of the FRN, all states in Nigeria have their special and unique logos, symbol, seal or coat of arms.

Hence, we shall be discussing, in this article, the coat of arms of Lagos state, image, meanings and description of each of its components.

Brief History of Lagos State

Lagos State is located at the southwest zone of Nigeria. According to research, Lagos state, among others, is the smallest sate in respect to land Area in Nigeria. The state has a total area of 3577km square or thereabouts.

Lagos is regarded as the commercial hub of West Africa. It is the most populated state in the whole of Nigeria in spite the fact that it has the smallest land mass in the country.

Equally, this state is the most economically important state among all other states in Nigeria. It contributes one of the highest revenues to the country’s GDP.

And bein the most developed state in Nigeria, it has served as the capital of Nigeria in the past before it was later moved to Abuja in the recent years, 1991.

Lagos State Logo or Coat of arms meaning and description

The Lagos state logo was designed after the state was created on May 24, 1967, and the design was widely acknowledged by the Lagosians because of it root in the historical heritage of the state.

All the features or components of the Lagos state logo can be traced back to one happening or the other in the state. Of course, they all happened in the past.

They are what started Lagos. What held it during the hard time, what kept it going, and what Lagosians sees as their heritage.

As such, they all carry deep meaning with great concerns. In there, there is a white cap, the coconut palm, Akoko leaves, cowries, a wheel, fishing activities, three lines, and the state motto; “Justice and Progress.“

Looking at these features, you will agree that they are a true representation of the Lagos, its people, and the state itself.

Be that as it may, it is time to look at the components which made up the Lagos state logo, their description, and what they actually mean.

The Lagos State Coat of Arms Components and Their Meanings

• White Cap (“Keremesi”)

• Akoko Leaves

• The Wheel

• Fishing Activities

• Cowries

• The Three Lines

• Coconut Trees

• The Lagos State Motto

The above highlighted is the logo of Lagos state components or features and these components will be vividly explained below:

1) White Cap (“Keremesi”)

There is a white cap on top of the state logo and the white cap is Known as “Keremesi” in Yoruba dialect.

By meaning and representation, the white cap represents the white cap that is being worn by the chiefs who constitute the Oba of Lagos Cabinet.

The cap also depicts right and authority which all original people of Lagos — the real Lagosians — have over other Nigerians who reside in the state.

2) Akoko Leaves

Again, there are Akoko leaves in the coat of arms of Lagos State. These leaves are often placed beneath the white cap of the Oba of Lagos cabinet members.

The Akoko leaves that is being placed beneath the white cap “Keremesi” (in their local language) denotes long life or longevity.

More often than not, these leaves are usually used during installation of Obas as well as traditional rulers in Lagos State and in most other Yoruba lands.

According to their beliefs and tradition, the traditional Yorubas use these leaves to appease and pray their gods for the new king or ruler a long life.

3) The Wheel

Also, there is a wheel on the Lagos state symbol and it symbolizes the industrial activities in the state.

And without prejudice, it is obvious that Lagos State is the industrial center of Nigeria. Everything was well captured and articulated from the onset.

There is a red background behind the wheel too and it represents power generation in Lagos.

4) Fishing Activities

By extension, Lagos state is one of the coastal hubs of Nigeria, hence the fishing activities as see depicted in the logo of the state represent the earliest settlers activities.

That is to say, during the nascent stage of the state, the first settlers and inhabitants of the place are Fisherman by profession.

In addition, there is a blue background behind the fishing activity which denotes abundance of rivers, ponds, lakes, seas, streams, etc. in the state.

5) Cowries

Similarly, the cowries on the logo can be traced back to the historical antecedent of the state too. It represent the medium of exchange in Lagos State prior to the use of coins and notes.

This, therefore, brings us to the yellow background which depict the colour of foreshore sands that’s very common in all Lagos State divisions.

6) The Three Lines

In the same vein, there are three lines used to divides the wheel, cowries and fishing activities on the Lagos State coat of arms.

These lines represent the Lagos of yesterday, today, and tomorrow; with the people of Lagos inclusive.

7) Coconut Trees

Lagos State has history with coconut, and the coconut trees that flanked the logo symbolizes the state rich agricultural history.

Before and during the colonial days, the main agricultural product that comes out of Lagos is the coconut.

8) The Lagos State Motto

Apparently, the Lagos state motto read “Justice peace and Progress” and it is clearly inscribed at the bottom of the logo.

The motto housed the beliefs of the state and her people. The JUSTICE so the necessity to give everyman in Lagos his due without fear, favour, affection, ethnicity or ill-will.

On the other hand, PROGRESS signifies the people of Lagos State hopes and aspirations for the Future.