Oyindamola Ogunbowale
Following the deaths of Nigerian Air Force personnel in Monday’s aircraft crash in Ondo State, the Federal Government has directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half mast across the country during the declared period of national mourning.
But what does flying a flag at half-mast mean? The practice is a traditional symbol of mourning, respect and remembrance.
Lowering the national flag from its usual position signifies a period of collective grief, particularly when lives have been lost in circumstances considered significant to the nation.
In Nigeria, the decision is generally made through an official directive, especially when the government declares a period of national mourning.
The flag may also be flown at half mast following the death of prominent national figures, major national tragedies or on occasions of official remembrance.
During such periods, the lowered flag serves as a visible reminder of those being mourned and reflects the nation’s collective respect for the deceased.
