×

Centenary Celebration Is Private Sector Driven – Nwaobasi

The Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Federation, Sam Nwaobasi, has said that Nigeria’s centenary celebration is private sector driven and the Government was … Continue reading Centenary Celebration Is Private Sector Driven – Nwaobasi


The Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Federation, Sam Nwaobasi, has said that Nigeria’s centenary celebration is private sector driven and the Government was not funding the celebrations.

He revealed that the Government approached the private sector for funding of the celebration, and that “every money spent on the centenary celebration so far is by private sector sponsorship, and Government has not given any funds for it.” He pointed out that the celebration, which started on February 4, 2013 should be seen as part of history for Nigeria.

Mr. Nwaobasi explained that the celebration was coming at a time when Nigerians need to come together, reunite with each other despite the security challenges of the country and project into the future.

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, he stated, “1st of January 2014 made Nigeria a hundred years and the Government decided on the need for a reflection of the past and look at how far the nation has gone, the challenges and reunite our unity”, adding that the independence celebration is different from the centenary celebration.

Mr. Nwaobasi, while further emphasizing that the sponsorship of the centenary celebration had been brought from the private sector, noted that the names of the sponsors have been “clearly acknowledged” on every programme that has been held in honour of the celebration.

He further explained that before the celebration started, the Government met with Nigerians to seek their opinions. He said that the Secretary to the Federal Government led a team together with members of the planning committee, who met with the auditors, managers, civil society,  Labour, Senate, House of Representatives, Federal Executive Council, as well as the National Economic Council, and got a copy of the draft documents.