The Federal Government last night flagged off activities
marking Nigeria’s centenary, insisting that the events were being bankrolled by
private sector players and not government.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius
Anyim, who spoke at a ceremony in Abuja, said government came up with
innovative ways of sourcing private funding for the events, which are meant to
celebrate the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in
January 1914.
Anyim said the celebrations would usher in a new phase in
the country’s psyche which will see pessimism replaced with optimism.
Also speaking, President Goodluck Jonathan reiterated a
bright future for Nigeria despite the challenges. He said what makes the
country great is not its resources but the diversity of its people.
Present at the ceremony were former leaders Yakubu Gowon,
Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
While Gowon unveiled the centenary logo which was designed
by Abubakar Ahmadu Abdullahi, Obasanjo delivered the theme of the centenary
“One Nigeria, Great Promise”.
According to Obasanjo, for Nigeria to overcome its
challenges in order to achieve its potentials, it must remain an indivisible
entity. “Without a doubt, only one Nigeria can guarantee the promise of a great
future for us all. Yes, there are challenges. I believe that for almost 170
million people working together in truth, commitment and determination, we can
restore trust in good governance and build a progressive nation. Together, and
with unity as our beacon, we can forge all our peoples into a nation of great
promise and a great future,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony was Senate President David Mark
who unveiled the centenary logo which will run till June while the Speaker of
the House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal unveiled the centenary
portal.
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