Coat of Arms

The Emblem of the Archdiocese of Lagos

The Cross

Through the Holy Cross, humanity got salvation. The Archdiocese of Lagos proclaims the salvation of Christ and remains faithful to the mission of evangelization by putting the Cross at the center of her activities.

The Image of Water

Lagos is geographically surrounded by water and this is represented by the blue like circle. Water symbolizes baptism which incorporates one into the family of God’s people and makes them “a chosen people”.

The Light Rays

There are two sets of light rays in the coat. The first from the cross signifies the light of salvation brought about by Jesus’ death on the cross and which dispels the darkness of sin and death. The second signifies the obedience to Christ’s injunctions to “Go forth and make disciples of every nation”.

The Latin Inscription “In Hoc Signo Vinces”

This translates as “in this sign you will conquer”. This refers to the Cross, the sign of victory with which Christ conquered sin and death and won redemption for us. It is in this same sign that the Archdiocese of Lagos, in obeying the great missionary mandate, wishes to continue the redemptive work of Christ.

THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE ARCHBISHOP

The Hat with its Brown Colour

This symbolizes the honour and responsibility of the office;

The Dove and the Rays

This represents the Holy Spirit and his inspiration.

The Brown Shield

As the format displays some images, this shield represents the world and the community in which he is called to serve, witness and to bring people into the love of Christ.

The Heart

This represents Christ’s selfless love for humanity which is a model for shepherds.

The Blue Taping of the Heart

This represents the loving heart of our Mother Mary and her intercessory role.

The A.M Symbol

This “Ave Maria” symbol shows Archbishop Martins’ love and dedication of himself, his flock and his ministry to our Mother Mary.

The Tripartite Division

The tripartite division on the heart represents the actions of the Blessed Trinity, and the motto “Called to serve in love”.

The Green Coloured Tassels (10 Tassels)

This represents loyalty to God, the church and the people of God he has come to serve.

The Content of the Tripartite

i. The Rock signifies the solid faith in Christ on the one hand, and the Olumo Rock, the symbol of Archbishop Martins’ origin, on the other. ii. The Sea with Fish signifies the special concern for a new era of evangelization and the aquatic splendour of Lagos, and iii. The Washing of the feet is a Christocentric representation of service and humility. This gives life to the motto “Called to Serve in Love”

In essence, one realizes from these coat of arms the fervent prayer and hope of His Grace, Alfred Adewale Martins, that his faith be strong enough so that he can work assiduously in spite of all obstacles to launch a new spirit of evangelization in the Archdiocese of Lagos and its environs so as to make Christ more visible and win souls for Christ through the activities of all the faithful.