As Nigeria approaches the Diamond Jubilee, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday unveiled the logo which will be used in the celebration of the anniversary with a reassurance of his commitment to upholding the unity of Nigeria.
The unveiling took place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
It was witnessed by Federal Ministers and the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Speaking at the brief ceremony which held before the commencement of the virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President said the logo is a product of choice from the Nigerian people adding that the theme for the anniversary celebration is ‘TOGETHER’.
“It is to the Glory of God and in celebration of the attainment of the Diamond Age of 60 by our great Nation that I hereby unveil the preferred anniversary logo for this momentous occasion in our Nation’s history.”
He said, “Celebrating 60 years of independence really calls for pomp and pageantry, but the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced all nations in the world to think and act differently, has also forced 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 will appropriately define theme.
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“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 will be unveiling is a product of choice from the Nigerian people.
“I’m informed that the selected option depicts our togetherness; a country of over 200 million people, whose natural talents, grits and passion glitter like the precious diamond we are.
“This to me, is a sufficient appreciation to our most precious assets; our people. Everywhere you go, Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in academia, business, Innovation, music, movie, entertainment and culture.”
President Buhari added, ” I’m also made aware that the neatly encrusted diamond on the Nigerian map symbolises our age of treasure, the worth of the Nigerian people who are sparkle to the admiration of the world.
“In the same vein, the fair green and the dark green colours should respectively remind us of our warmth, welcoming spirit and love, as well as abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land.
“All these properties made us, unarguably, the most prosperous black nation in the world and Africa’s largest economy. “With a deep feeling of national pride that I hereby announce to you, that #TOGETHER shall be the theme of our 60th Anniversary Celebration. Our founding fathers, In spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue came TOGETHER to fight for Nigeria’s independence”.This shall be a befitting tribute to the struggle of our heroes past.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, this government will work towards greater inclusiveness and look forward to the participation of all Nigerians.”
The Federal Government had earlier in September called on Nigerians to submit creative ideas that can brand the anniversary which is themed “Together at 60”.
Nigeria’s Independence is usually celebrated annually on October 1.
