28 Heads of State Expected in Abuja for Security Conference

As part of activities to mark Nigeria’s centenary anniversary, 28 Heads of State are expected in Abuja for an international security conference to be hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan next Thursday.

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, made this known yesterday while briefing journalists shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. He said that President Jonathan would present the lead paper at the conference.

The paper, he said, would focus on how to secure the continent against activities of terrorists. “We are not just celebrating,” he said. “No! It will focus on the impact of insecurity because these challenges are being experienced all over Africa.”

He further disclosed that the federal government has set up a Board of Trustees to be chaired by former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon. The board, he said, is expected to manage funds realised from the Centenary Fund Raising Ball to be held on February 25 in Lagos.

Also at the briefing was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim who disclosed that the centenary events will include an awards presentation conferring honours on 100 Nigerians, out of which 40% of the awards will be given posthumously to people who had made contributions to the development of the country in the last 100 years.

Maku added that “there is going to be a centenary lottery and the proceeds will go to support this celebration and all the telecoms companies  and every Nigerian are being encouraged to be part if this programme.”

The celebrations will conclude with a thanksgiving service at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja with a multimedia show at the National Stadium, Abuja also planned.

“Every state has been mandated to sponsor at least 200 delegates and one traditional ruler from each state of the federation, including FCT,” said the FCT minister Bala Mohammed, who was also at the briefing.