President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday unveiled the theme and logo for the commemorative activities to celebrate 60 years of Nigeria’s independence.
Nigeria at 60 theme ‘Together’ with the logo was projected and unveiled virtually on a 12 by 20 feet screen television at the Council Chambers before the commencement of the e-Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Buhari.
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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who is the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, said the celebration would be observed for a whole year ending September 30, 2021 to make the country heal.
“One major agreement also was the need to deviate from the norm of celebrating our landmark events with a conclusion of the day of such event.
“Thus it was agreed that to make the diamond anniversary very inclusive and create opportunities for internalisation and buying by all sectors of Nigerian people, a year-long celebration will be pursued, starting from the date of launching a web portal, to September 30th, 2021,” Mustapha said.
Buhari described Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, as the most prosperous black nation in the world.
“Today, we stand on the threshold of history as we formally begin a series of activities commemorating Nigeria’s Diamond Anniversary.
“The task history has saddled me with today is to proclaim a theme that’ll keep us united, help us forge ahead and unveil a logo that’ll form the critical pillars which our 11-month modest commemorative activities would rest on.
“Celebrating 60 years of independence really calls for pomp, but the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced all nations in the world to think and act differently, has also foisted on us the imperative of a low-keyed celebration.
“Operating within the limitations placed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we created an internet challenge for Nigerians to make a choice from a set of four pre-selected logos that would appropriately define the theme.
“Of these four options, Nigerians from all walks of life participated in making a choice and I’m happy to let you know that the logo I’d be unveiling is a product of choice from the Nigerian people.
“The selected option depicts our togetherness, a country of over 200m people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond we’re.
“This, to me, is a special appreciation to our most precious asset – our people.
“Everywhere you go, Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in academia, business, innovation, music, movie, entertainment, fashion and culture.
“Furthermore, the neatly encrusted Diamond on the Nigerian Map symbolizes our age of treasure, the worth of the Nigerian people with our sparkle to the admiration of the world,” Buhari said.
He thanked members of the committee for the work they had done so far, reminding them that “this is just the beginning.”
He said his government would work towards greater inclusiveness and look forward to the participation of all Nigerians in the celebration.
