CONCEPT DOCUMENT FOR THE

NIGERIA CENTENARY

This Concept Document is divided into five main parts, with two appendices attached at the end.

Preamble:

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.

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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.

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• Celebrate Nigeria’s history and unity

THE OBJECTIVES

• 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

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PART 2

1. 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;

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:

2. 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”;

3. Our Unity symbolizes our common destiny, continued existence and development; it is also the basis for our rising global profile;

4. 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;

5. 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;

6. Nigeria has made very consequential contributions to the decolonization of Africa and to post-independence global peace operations;

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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

10. Nigeria has over 100 million literate people.

This figure of 31 million of Nigeria’s 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;

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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

Nigeria’s 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;

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

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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;

12. Very importantly, these Nigerian movies represent the first time in world history that Africans are telling the story of Africa by Africans from Africa;

13. 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;

14. Why can’t 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

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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 Nigeria’s 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.

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PART 3

1. Nigerians at home and in Diaspora;

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:

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.

• Enduring Legacy Projects

THE CENTENARY PROJECT This is conceived as a Private Sector Driven Initiative, anchored on three main pillars, as follows:

• The Commemorative Events • The History and Heritage Programme

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New Abuja City Gate;

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:

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 Nigeria’s 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 nation’s 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:

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1. Art Expos and Literary festivals, Essay Competitions for students; 2. Photo exhibition, festivals and carnivals, a film festival; 3. Presentation of some of Nigeria’s landmark plays; 4. Re-enactments of our story through captivating poetry and an

interpretation of Nigeria’s 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 Nigeria’s success story. It is an opportunity to express such organisation’s 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.

1. International press conferences and media engagements;

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:

2. TV Series and Talk Shows; 3. Radio programmes, commentaries and discussions; 4. 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

1. International Women’s Day (Mar 8)

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

There are national and international days/events, to be celebrated in alignment with the Centenary spirit. Some examples are:

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. Nigeria’s 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

1. Presentation of the Centenary Programme;

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:

2. Unveiling of the Logo of the Centenary; 3. Presentation of the Centenary Theme; 4. Presentation of the Centenary Song; 5. Presentation of “Nigerians Speak on the Centenary” Documentary; 6. Launch of the Centenary Lottery; 7. Launch of the Official Portal of the Centenary; 8. 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 Women’s 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 2013 - a. 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. National Honours Awards - Centenary Special b. State Dinner c. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty d. 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. Presidential Centenary Broadcast b. Special Parades; Calisthenics Displays; etc. c. Special Centenary Prayers (Christian/Muslim); d. Special Centenary Concert in Abuja to Close the Centenary

Celebrations; e. Centenary Dinner

i. Presentation of the Book: “Milestones in Nigeria History” ii. Centenary Awards/Recognitions

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APPENDIX 2

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 today’s 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

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.

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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 Nigeria’s 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 Nigeria’s 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 champion’s private sector role in projects of significant magnitude. By the end of its planned 5-year development cycle, this innovative and

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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 Nigeria’s economic growth, diversity and greatness into the next centenary.

Free Trade Zone

SUCCESS FACTORS Features that have contributed to the success of other cities of this nature included:

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.