Nigeria Anniversary
The Federal Republic of Nigeria joins other African Countries to mark Her independence. Of these countries, nine of them marked their in the month of August 2010. These countries got their independence from three main colonial powers which are Britain, France and Belgium in 1960.
These anniversary comes with upgrading infrastructure, commissioning landmark, organizing lectures,cherishing the contribution of past leaders, erecting monument, rekindling patriotism. African countries that have indeed marked their 50th anniversary spent billions of dollars celebrating independent from their colonial masters. The countries that have so far celebrated their independence are Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Senegal, Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.
Despite civil war and political unrest, Somalia had cause in celebrating their 50th anniversary. Senegal marked their 59th anniversary by unveiling a bronze monument erected and opened to the public in April 2010. This was monument was officially estimated to cost about US$70 million. In Cameroon too felt the need to break its treasury open for this great occasion, thereby spending CFA France 5 billion. World leaders came to celebrate with Cameroon. It was indeed impressive. Togo was also not left out in the spending spree. An estimated 30 million Euros was spent to mark its Golden jubilee.
In Nigeria the celebration have already started. In May 2010,the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unveiled the anniversary logo in a ceremony. This ceremony was attended by politicians, business and bureaucratic classes of the Nigerian society.
The events and activities lined up for this anniversary come 1st of October 2010 include a parade and display of skills and hard wares by the Nigerian Army, Air Force and The Navy. This anniversary will take place in three cities - Calabar, Lagos and Abuja. The Air Force plans to fly their planes from their various bases to Abuja. The planes been flown on the day will be capable of speeding in excess of Mark 2. Paratroopers are expected to drop down from moving planes, thus making the occasion colorful in the air.
The Navy intents showcasing their war ships, weapons and skills in a Presidential Fleet Review. The Army of course will display their latest artillery, battle tanks, missiles, bombs and a piece of drama on how troops are deployed in any case of threat to the country. The parade of the Nigerian military will make its citizens proud make the occasion interesting.
The softer phases of the Golden jubilee comes with visit to the orphanages by wives of top political office holders, accomplishment achieved by Nigeria in this past 50 years of struggle. National heroes both men and women living or dead will be recognized through special awards. Eminent international leaders will grace the occasion. Serving and past leaders of European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) will be invited to celebrate with Nigeria in Her 50th anniversary. This visit will help erase the negative stories about Nigeria and Nigerians both at home and in diaspora.
Indeed Nigeria is expected to earn plenty of respect through renovation and upgrading of international airports within the country. Roads are expected to be reconstructed to give its visitors a good impression about the country. A 800 page compendium by the Ministry of Information and Communication will help in providing a detailed historical background of Nigeria, information about the founding fathers, highlight its tourism and investment potentials as well as opportunities. Also it will have a pictorial presentations of artifacts.
The events lined up for this activities will be memorable because Nigerians need something to cheer about in this point in history. Already billions of Naira are been spent for this historical celebration.
CONGRATULATION TO NIGERIA AS THEY MARK THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
