THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will on September 29, launch a redesigned N50 Note into circulation in commemoration of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

The Director-General, Nigeria at 50 Anniversary Committe, Dr B. K. Kaigama, made the announcement in Abuja on Sunday at a special World Press Conference and Gala night organised to release details of events lined up for the Golden Jubilee.

He said the new Notes as well as commemorative non-circulating coins also to be released by the CBN, would be launched by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a related development, Kaigama also dismissed news reports that his committee received donations from multi-national companies to finance the anniversary.

Fielding questions from newsmen, he explained that the committee actually sent letters to some companies for sponsorship of some of the events lined up for the anniversary, but that there was no response.

“The letters were written in March before the budget for the ceremony was released. None of the companies responded. Rather, the letter was leaked to the press, misinforming the public that we are begging for money,” he said

The report had accused the committee of sending letters to the private sector and some multi-national companies soliciting for fund to finance the anniversary.

The committee has also released a series of activities lined up to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, which begins on September 14, with an Anniversary Lecture titled: “ICT Age: Its Implications For Nigeria And Africa,’’ at the ECOWAS Parliament, Abuja.

The committee said the Third Ordinary Session of Pan African Parliament, which usually holds in Addis-Ababa, and a Roundtable on Governance in Africa by leaders from the Continent would be held in Abuja as parts of the anniversary.

A 60-feet Independence Tower being erected at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, emblazoned with the faces of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa and the Sardauna, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, will also be inaugurated on September 26.

The activities include a Presidential Banquet and conferment of National Honours on 50 distinguished Nigerians on September 30.

Jonathan is also expected to hold an interractive session with women, children and persons with disabilities on September 17.

The First Lady, Dame Patience, is expected to visit selected orphanage homes, prisons and hospitals and host a children anniversary party on September 28, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa.

There will also be a launch of a Compendium on Nigeria, a Colloquium on Nigeria’s Leadership In The World, Nigerian Investors Forum, Youth and Children Parliament and Award Nite.

Other activities include Food Exhibitions by the 36 states and the FCT at the Old Parade Ground, starting from September 27.

There will also be an exhibition on Arts and Artifact, capturing the history, growth and evolution of Nigeria as a nation at the National Stadium, which will run for 45 days.

An anniversary Golf Tournament from Sept. 21 to September 27 at the IBB Golf Club, Abuja, Durbar and masquerades performances and an all-night musical concert by Nigerian musicians at the Eagle Square, Abuja were slated for September 25.

There will be nationwide Jumat prayers and church services preceding the celebration on September 24 and September 26 respectively.

The D-day October 1, according to the organisers, will witness special military, ceremonial and children parades, aerobatic display with paratroopers and free fallers as well as 21 gun salutes by members of the armed forces and the police.

A special Argungu fishing festival motor rally, acrobatic and cultural displays as well as fireworks will also feature on the programme.

Source: Guardian