Anyim Pius Anyim, secretary to government of the federation (SGF), has said the centenary anniversary celebration slated for next year is not a waste of funds.
Anyim made the clarification in Lagos yesterday at the unveiling of the official media partners and centenary ambassadors.
“The centenary anniversary celebration is private sector-driven. We are not wasting resources, we are not wasting anybody’s money”, the SGF said.
Anyim, represented by Bashir Yuguda, minister of state for works, explained the essence of the celebration, saying, “We are celebrating our corporate existence as a nation; we are celebrating the various cultures of our dear country; we are celebrating our pride as leaders on the African continent and we are also celebrating various Nigerians who have shown talents all over the world, and that is why we are proud to be Nigerians. Each and every one of us has a story to tell about Nigeria”.
According to him, “We need the media to be in the picture of all the celebrations that will take place. I am happy that all the big names in the print and electronic media are partnering with us in this laudable celebration of our 100 years of living together as a nation. The president is a friend of the media, and the media is a friend of government. The media is being carried along to support the programmes of government.
“The president has said over and over again that this is purely private sector-driven. A media consultant has been appointed; his duty is to now be telling Nigerians each stage of the celebration. We have lined up series of activities for the celebration.”
The SGF also urged the media to assist the government in telling every citizen of Nigeria that “the project belongs to all citizens of this country. It does not belong to government alone.”
“We are all part of it. We are 100 years old as a nation. I must tell you that each and every Nigerian is a reason for our celebration”, he added.
Announcing the media partners among whom is BusinessDay, Ik Mordi, centenary project director, explained that among other reasons for the celebration, “it is to focus global attention on Nigeria- our image, tourism, sports and other areas the country has recorded enormous feats.
“We want to tell our story by ourselves, not allowing others do it for us in a wrong way. We want to tell people that there are reasons for celebration despite some challenges the country has been facing”.
ZEBULON AGOMUO
