CONCEPT DOCUMENT

FOR THE
NIGERIA CENTENARY
Preamble:
This Concept Document is divided into five main parts, with two
appendices attached at the end.
The first part deals with the Vision, Mission, Theme, Background and
Objectives of the Centenary celebrations. The second part explains why
Nigeria should celebrate the Centenary. The third part looks at the
detailed components of the celebrations, such as the overall Centenary
Project initiative, while the fourth section shows how the Centenary will
revolve around private sector participation, job creation, media and
international events. The concluding part deals with other national,
international and state events, the Centenary Lottery programme,
Sponsorships and Marketing.
The first of the two Appendices gives details of the 12-month long
Centenary celebration schedule. The second Appendix is a description of
the Centenary City.

PART ONE
THE BROAD FRAMEWORK
The Centenary celebrations are designed around the key concepts of
unity, indivisibility, virility, progress and promise of the Nigerian
federation. It is against this background that the following are put
forward as nodal anchors for its delivery.
THEME
One Nigeria: Great Promise
VISION
To project a united, vibrant, progressive and respected nation eager to
lead in world affairs.
MISSION
To re-inspire the unity of Nigeria
BACKGROUND
Modern-day Nigeria came into being on January 1, 1914, with the formal
amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of the former
British colony. Therefore January 1, 2014, marks 100 years of the union.
The Centenary celebration offers a unique opportunity to focus global
attention on Nigeria, her history, peoples, achievements, and aspirations.

THE OBJECTIVES
Celebrate Nigerias history and unity
Celebrate our diversity, hopes and great promise that inspires our
people
Reinforce our hopes and express our shared values, to strengthen
national consciousness and patriotism
Preserve our heritage, and document our history, achievements and
progress
Institute legacy projects as a lasting reference for the Centenary
Promote enterprise development, wealth and job creation
Promote women and youth empowerment, sports and tourism
Promote environmental awareness
Promote our national image and enhance our prestige

PART 2
WHY WE SHOULD CELEBRATE
The Centenary celebration will present an opportunity for us to count our
blessings as a nation, celebrate our dexterity and resilience as a people,
and resolve to launch into the next century with renewed determination,
hope and expectations. Accordingly, we must make bold to advance the
following reasons as why we must celebrate:
1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

This is 100 years of a cohesive nation that is rich in human

resources, uncommon biodiversity, diverse cultural offerings and
economic opportunities that few countries can boast;
The Centenary celebrations offer us a unique opportunity to affirm
the obvious truth that Nigeria is not a historical accident, rather
the product of a long and mature consideration;
Our Unity symbolizes our common destiny, continued existence and
development; it is also the basis for our rising global profile;
Our country is the largest black nation, the 7th most populous
country in the World, and the most diverse collection of languages
under one sovereign territory in Africa;
The social tensions of our national evolution only made us more
united as a people, with the aggregation of human and material
resources that has enabled us play historically significant roles in
world affairs;
Nigeria has made very consequential contributions to the
decolonization of Africa and to post-independence global peace
operations;

7.

The size of our domestic market, our human resources and

awesome capacity for transformation is the basis for the prediction
that our economy is on track to becoming the largest in the
continent in the next decade;
8. It is also because of our size and awesome transformational
capacity that, in a little over ten years, Nigeria now has over 100
million active cell phone lines and the largest Internet traffic in
Africa both of which are having a monumental impact on our
national integration, social relations and economic productivity;
9. Nigeria has over 24 million pupils in primary schools, over 6 million
in secondary schools and over one million in tertiary institutions.1
This figure of 31 million of Nigerias school population is larger than
the population of several countries. While this does not represent
100% enrolment at these levels but taken together they represent
major investments in human capacity development;
10. Nigeria has over 100 million literate people.2 Nigerias literate
population is larger than the national population of many countries,
and represents a major national accomplishment worthy of
celebration that cannot be undone by the habitual focus exclusively
on the problems of the education sector;
11. As a cultural melting pot, Nigeria has embarked on a major process
of global cultural expansion with consequences that were simply
unimaginable at Amalgamation. This cultural expansion in the
1

Iweriebor, Ehiedu (2012). The Affirmative Nigeria Narrative: A Perspective on National Transformation. Paper
nd
presented at the Nigeria 52 Independence Anniversary Celebration, September 18, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Abuja.
2

Ibid

12.

13.

14.

entertainment industry - with specific reference to the Nigerian

home video film industry commonly known as Nollywood - is
monumental in its significance. This film industry took off in the
early 1990s and in less than 15 years, as attested to by UNESCO,
have grown to become the second or third largest home video film
industries in the world;
Very importantly, these Nigerian movies represent the first time in
world history that Africans are telling the story of Africa by
Africans from Africa;
Our rich biodiversity, with its varied flora and fauna, allows
Nigerians to make significant scientific research breakthroughs in
various spheres of human endeavor. The formulation of
pharmacologically-certified herbal medicines for the management
of sickle cell anemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer,
prostate and reproductive health, etc. only confirm our capacity for
using human intelligence to make the best of our natural
endowments;
Why cant we celebrate that spirit that builds great nations and
civilizations - the unfailing optimism and resilience of Nigerians who
remain proud of our National Identity and strive daily to rediscover
that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity
as a people?

In summary, the Nigerian story is one of admirable and remarkable

progress. Nigeria's 100th birthday provides a wonderful opportunity for
all Nigerians to proudly celebrate and share in the nation's story of
freedom, achievements and aspirations. Nowhere, and no time, can

history achieve total justice. The question is how to make the best of the
present. And the first step is to get the history right.
Since January 1, 1914, the effort to move Nigeria to a higher realm of unity
and progress is the common thread that links the story of Nigerias
nationalist movement, our founding fathers, and later generations of
leaders and all of us together. We are blessed with a vibrant population
and our democracy is maturing. We must therefore remain together to
enjoy the benefits of our unity.

PART 3
HOW WE WOULD CELEBRATE
Our celebrations will be strong and forceful. It will be colourful and rich,
harnessing and projecting our diversity in culture, the distinctiveness of
our vibrant population, joyously proclaiming the journey to a new national
order for future generations and the world to note. The Centenary
celebration is expected to inspire confidence in our ability and
determination to rise above our present challenges to build a strong and
united nation. It will signify the beginning of something new, a celebration
of a new future for Nigeria.
A major component of the how of the Centenary anniversary is The
Nigerian Centenary Project. This will involve the active participation and
involvement of:
1. Nigerians at home and in Diaspora;
2. Corporate organizations in Nigeria and abroad; and
3. Friends of Nigeria all over the World.
It will hold in Abuja, all State Capitals, some historic towns and cities in
Nigeria and in other cities around the World.
THE CENTENARY PROJECT
This is conceived as a Private Sector Driven Initiative, anchored on three
main pillars, as follows:
Enduring Legacy Projects
The Commemorative Events
The History and Heritage Programme

THE ENDURING LEGACY INITIATIVE

This is a collective name for a number of specially selected initiatives.
These are needs-driven, socially impactful projects and events designed
around strategic national institutions/assets and or local communities in
each state of the federation. New projects and restoration/rehabilitation
of existing projects in our communities are involved here and will be
carefully chosen to enhance and complement the Centenary celebrations.
Areas of high interest will include:
New Abuja City Gate;
Abuja Centenary City;
Unity Squares recommended in every state capital;
Medical Diagnostic Centres, one in each geo-political zone;
ICT Centres in all the Universities that are yet to have one;
Modern Libraries in 6 Universities, one in each geo-political zone;
Science Laboratories in 6 universities, one in each geo-political
zone;
Building/Renovation of Sports Facilities, one in each of the Federal
Universities in the country;
Upgrade and naming/renaming of historical sites in the country.

THE COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS

This second component of the Centenary celebration begins in February
2013 and peak in the actual Centenary month of January 2014. It will then
taper off with the formal Independence Day Celebration of 1st October
2014 at the Centenary City. Envisaged programmes and events include:

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1. The Official Flag-off Ceremony by Mr. President;

2. Military and Paramilitary Parades,
3. The Grand Ceremony with music and Fireworks;
4. Special Legislative Sessions,
5. Unity Rallies in all the State Capitals and Abuja;
6. Special Centenary Prayers (Christian/Muslim);
7. Exhibitions, Symposia, Youth and Children Programmes;
8. Women-Related Programmes;
9. Programs for the Physically-challenged;
10. Awards, Recognitions and Honours;
11. Music, Entertainment and Sports, including Fashion Shows, the
Nigeria Centenary Beauty Pageant and the Centenary Ball;
12. Scholarships and Academic recognitions;
13. Trade and Investment Shows to promote Nigerias vast Trade and
Economic potentials; etc.
There will also be carefully chosen Diaspora programmes to enable
Nigerians outside the country connect and share in the centenary.
THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE PROGRAMME
This third component of the Centenary celebration draws from the fact
that Nigeria is a beautiful mosaic with a national identity defined by its
history and culture. It draws out the nations soul for the world to see
and creates a new understanding of our history, strengthened by our art,
culture and shared history.
This component of the celebrations will feature the following:

11

1.
2.
3.
4.

Art Expos and Literary festivals, Essay Competitions for students;

Photo exhibition, festivals and carnivals, a film festival;
Presentation of some of Nigerias landmark plays;
Re-enactments of our story through captivating poetry and an
interpretation of Nigerias globally acknowledged music;
5. Acknowledgment of the exploits of our young people, through
sports, science, inventions and literature;

Other support activities will include:

1. A strong Publicity and Media programme; and
2. The Lottery Project, which shall provide opportunities for
mobilization, inclusiveness and supplementary funding for the
Centenary Project;

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PART 4
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND JOB CREATION
The Centenary will be a multifaceted and multi-location event. It holds
much promise for product commercials, more so provide unique
opportunity for corporate organizations to properly present themselves
as part of Nigerias success story. It is an opportunity to express such
organisations faith in the unity of Nigeria and love for her people.
With the support and active participation of the private sector, the
Centenary celebration will provide potentially 15,000 jobs. It will also
provide an economic boost especially to the informal sector, the petty
traders and the hospitality sector service providers.
PUBLICITY AND MEDIA STRATEGY
Strong local and international media is imperative, focusing on
mobilization and national branding. The emphasis will be on our unity,
diversity, strengths and promise.
The platforms to be used include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

International press conferences and media engagements;

TV Series and Talk Shows;
Radio programmes, commentaries and discussions;
Documentaries, Publications, Coffee Table book, Road Shows etc;
and
5. Robust branding, Licensing and merchandising initiatives, for
visibility and impact of the Centenary Mission.

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PART 5
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
There are national and international days/events, to be celebrated in
alignment with the Centenary spirit. Some examples are:
1. International Womens Day (Mar 8)
2. Labour Day (May 1)
3. World Press Freedom Day (May 3)
4. Democracy Day (May 29)
5. World Environment Day (June 5)
6. International Justice Day (July 17)
7. International Youth Day (August 12)
8. World Tourism Day (September 27)
9. Nigerias Independence Day (October 1)
10. World Food Day (October 16)
11. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17)
12. World Television Day (November 20)
13. International Day for Persons with Disabilities (December 3)
14. Programme with Traditional/Religious Leaders
15. Dinner with Former Presidents and Heads of State
STATE EVENTS
True to our Federal structure, all states shall design their own Centenary
programmes and celebrate it in their unique way, within the period
allocated for this purpose. The national calendar provides 6 months
within which states may mark the Centenary.

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Each State is encouraged to build a Unity Square in its capital or

designate an existing public area for that purpose, to be unveiled during
the proposed nationwide unity rallies.
THE CENTENARY LOTTERY PROGRAMME
The Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission has designed a strategy to
enhance popular participation and support of the Centenary celebrations
through a lottery scheme. The schemes will raise considerable interest in
the Centenary and help provide supplementary funding for the
programmes of the celebration.
SPONSORSHIPS AND MARKETING
The activities of the Centenary offer a best-fit, as platforms for product
and service brands to identify with Nigeria and support the Centenary
celebrations.
The sponsorship engagement strategy will run on a partnership model,
wherein brands will enjoy the flexibility of adopting the Centenary
programmes and implementing same in accordance with laid down
principles. The sponsorship leverage benefits will include having brands
fly the Centenary logo on their products.

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APPENDIX 1
PROPOSED PROGRAMMES, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
OF INTEREST TO GOVERNMENT
FORMAL FLAG-OFF CEREMONY OF THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION
4th February, 2013
Presidential Dinner to Flag-Off the Centenary Celebration. At the Dinner
the following Events and Activities will be carried out:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Presentation of the Centenary Programme;

Unveiling of the Logo of the Centenary;
Presentation of the Centenary Theme;
Presentation of the Centenary Song;
Presentation of Nigerians Speak on the Centenary Documentary;
Launch of the Centenary Lottery;
Launch of the Official Portal of the Centenary;
Presentation of the Centenary Documentary (Nigeria in History:
Part I);
9. Presidential Address to flag-off the Centenary;
10. Lighting of the Centenary Torch by the President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
FEBRUARY MARCH 2013
a. Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Centenary City/Abuja Unity
Square.
b. States unveil their individual Centenary Celebration programmes;
c. International Womens Day

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APRIL - MAY 2013

a. Democracy Day Celebration Centenary Special;
a. Symposium (Nigeria in History: Milestones & Challenges)
b. Recognition of Heritage Sites (sites that have played key roles
in the history of Nigeria)
c. Novelty Match
b. Labour Day Celebration Centenary Special;
c. World Press Freedom Day
JUNE 2013a. The President launches Dress Nigerian Day
b. Nigerian Fashion Show
c. Flag-off of National Essay Competition
d. World Environment Day
JULY 2013 a. 100 Years of Nigerian Music
b. International Centenary Concerts
c. Celebration of Broadcasting in Nigeria
d. International Justice Day (100 Years of the Nigerian Judiciary)
AUGUST 2013 a. Youth Day Celebration Centenary Special (NYSC in Focus)
b. Beauty Pageant Centenary Edition
c. Diaspora Events

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SEPTEMBER 2013 DECEMBER 2013

a. Unity Rallies in all the States of Federation (to be concluded with the
Grand Finale in Abuja in December, 2013)
b. 100 Years of Nigerian Theatre and Films
c. World Tourism Day: National Centenary Tourism Summit
d. 100 Years of Nigeria Literature/Arts & Crafts Exhibition
OCTOBER 2013 INDEPENDENCE DAY CENTENARY YEAR SPECIAL
a.
b.
c.
d.

National Honours Awards - Centenary Special

State Dinner
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
World Food Day

NOVEMBER 2013 a. Exhibitions by MDAs

b. World Television Day
DECEMBER 2013 a. Special Centenary Legislative Sessions
b. People Living with Physical Challenges - Support Programmes
c. National Carnivals - Centenary Special (Established Carnivals to be
adopted)
d. Programme with Traditional/Religious Leaders
e. Dinner with Former Presidents and Heads of State

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JANUARY 2014 GRAND CELEBRATION

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Presidential Centenary Broadcast

Special Parades; Calisthenics Displays; etc.
Special Centenary Prayers (Christian/Muslim);
Special Centenary Concert in Abuja to Close the Centenary
Celebrations;
Centenary Dinner
i. Presentation of the Book: Milestones in Nigeria History
ii. Centenary Awards/Recognitions

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APPENDIX 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE CENTENARY CITY
One of the endearing legacies of the celebration shall be the development
of a Centenary City in Abuja. The City is conceived to focus the attention
of the investing world to Nigeria in a way that has never been done
before. The successes of such cities as Dubai, Monaco, Shenzhen,
Singapore and lately Songdo have shown that development of certain
class of cities is the strongest social, political and economic tool to
securing Foreign Investment, promoting positive international attention
and indeed signaling a new national economic awakening. The City
promises to be one of the most outstanding legacies of the Centenary.
The Centenary City is a new smart city to be built from scratch on more
than 1,000 hectares of virgin land in Abuja making it the second but
largest private city development in history, after Songdo International
Business District in South Korea. The land for the Centenary City shall be
acquired in accordance with the FCT Land Swap Agreement.
The Centenary City shall be designed by a reputable world-class design
team as a contemporary efficient mixed-use city with emphasis on
modernity and Nigeria's unique cultural heritage. The aim is to
synchronise the demands of todays society and the expectations of
tomorrow and materialize the vision into a working scheme that allow for
the City to develop in a sustainable, ecological and socially responsive
manner. The City will demonstrate the harmony between nature and the
work of man to create a solid example for the future of urban
development in Nigeria and indeed the world and also reinforce our

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collective destiny towards the next one hundred years. The City, like
Dubai, Monaco, Shenzhen and Songdo, shall signpost the Nigeria of the
future. The City shall promote leisure, tourism, commerce, sports and will
have a 20% residential component.
The City is also conceived as a centre for the preservation of Nigerias
political history and documentation of her contributions to the political,
cultural and economic development and the advancement of peace and
security in the world, as well as the hub of economic activities.
The goal is to create a new City, a modern urban centrality for the
sustainable development of this magic land, where natural beauty and
architecture icons must merge together to create an environment that is
alive and productive. The City will re-introduce Abuja to the world with the
following features:
A GREEN CITY with a natural buffer that envelopes the entire City
and encircles the central neighbourhood that protects and nurtures
the whole with world-class public facilities;
ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT - The City will aim at reducing waste to
zero. Domestic waste will be used to create nutrient-rich soil,
fertilizer and incinerated as an additional power source. Other
wastes such as plastics and metals, will be recycled or re-purposed
for other uses;
A CENTRAL PARK - that provides the green-spirit which gives
orientation, clarity and iconic power to the City as a whole but most
powerfully to the City Centre.

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FLEXIBLE TOPOGRAPHIES - that are all conceptually related to one

another so that they can be placed together to create a rich,
elegant, textured and vibrant City.
An URBAN GRID - super-block system that is modular and organic,
yielding a resulting grid of arteries, streets and pathways with an
efficient traffic system where pedestrians, bicycles, motorcars,
trams and monorail can co-exist in a friendly human way;
INDEPENDENT POWER SOURCE - With a gas-fired 500MW power plant
connected directly to a gas terminal, constant power supply to the
City can be taken for granted.
WATER MANAGEMENT - Planned in an environmentally sound manner
where approximately 60 percent of the water used will be recycled
and waste water reused as many times as possible.
PUBLIC AREAS - A prominent cultural core with various symbols of
Nigerias Unity and Strength, Parks, Galleries etc.
COMMERCIAL - Exquisite Office Towers, Exotic Hotels, Magnificent
Shopping Malls, Imposing Expo/Convention Centre, Cozy Theatres
and Cinemas;
RESIDENTIAL - Elegant High-rise Apartment & Apartment Towers,
Single Family Houses, Semi Detached Houses, Row-Houses,
Apartment Blocks;
CIVIC - Primary & Secondary Schools, University Campus, Health
Centres, Health Farms and Theme Parks;

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INSTITUTE OF SPORTS - Sports shall be given prominence in the City

with top-of-the range sporting facilities, which shall include a
signature golf course.
SPORTS HOSPITAL - A modern sports hospital that will be on the
cutting edge of sports medicine and providing 5-star level services
The Sports Hospital will offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and
services
BUSINESS CENTRE - A preferred destination for multi-national and
domestic businesses. It is expected that the top most corporate
bodies in Nigeria will have their show rooms in the City.
PRESIDENTIAL ARCHIVES - To house the history of our political
development and the contributions of our Presidents and the
Nigerian Institute of Federalism.
PRESIDENTIAL RETREAT - An alternative operational base for the
President.
A NEW CEREMONIAL ARCADE (UNITY SQUARE) - To compliment the
Eagle Square to add colour to Government ceremonies and
activities.
NEW ABUJA CITY GATE - A magnificent and awe-inspiring
architectural masterpiece that will eloquently introduce the
Centenary City and welcome visitors to Abuja.
In sum, the City will be a revolutionary approach to urbanization in Africa
and champions private sector role in projects of significant magnitude.
By the end of its planned 5-year development cycle, this innovative and

23

vibrant City would have created over 50,000 construction jobs and 5,000
permanent well-paying jobs. The City is planned for a residential
population of about 100,000 people but to host about 500,000 visitors
daily. It shall promote world-class multinational and domestic businesses
in a world-class and master planned environment that gives meaning to
Life, energy for Work and pleasure for Play, while permanently
contributing to Nigerias economic growth, diversity and greatness into
the next centenary.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Features that have contributed to the success of other cities of this
nature included:

Free Trade Zone

Duty Free Regime
Tax Holiday
Chartered Status
Outstanding Infrastructure and secured business environment
Expanded and efficient transport services especially Air Services
Secured Environment etc.

Above all, total Government commitment to provide a conducive

investment environment in the City is imperative for the success of this
important initiative. If this framework is approved, we shall be
encouraged to put forward formal requests for necessary approvals in
this regard.