CELEBRATION OF NIGERIA’S 50TH (GOLDEN JUBILEE) INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY
PRESS RELEASE
On 1st October, 2010, Nigeria will be fifty (50) as an independent nation. This historic event is a milestone in the history of Nigeria and affords the Government and people of Nigeria a unique opportunity to celebrate the present and future with the optimism that inspired our founding fathers to build a united nation based on equity and justice. At independence, Nigeria was a constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government until 1963 when the country became a Federal Republic. Today, the Federation is composed of 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with an estimated population of 150 million. The current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR assumed office on 6th May, 2010, following the passing on of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Significantly, Nigeria is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and the 8th largest exporter with the 10th largest proven reserves. In addition the country is endowed with a wide array of mineral resources including coal, bauxite, tantalite, gold, tin, iron ore, limestone, lead and zinc, making the country a leading foreign direct investment destination in Africa. In terms of Arts and Culture, Nigeria is richly endowed. Indeed, Nigerian culture is a manifestation of the socio – cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that make up the country.
Despite the current challenges facing the nation, Nigeria has a glorious past worthy of celebration. Since the restoration of democratic governance eleven years ago, Nigeria has embarked on a comprehensive political and economic reform programme with a focus on good governance, zero tolerance for corruption, electoral reform, transparency and accountability in public procurement, rule of law and bank and insurance sector reform, to reposition the country. Importantly, the Government’s priority areas are ENERGY (Electricity), TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, FOOD SECURITY, EDUCATION and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA.
The security situation in the Niger Delta is stable and continues to improve. Significantly, the Government has been effectively engaged in constructive dialogue with the militants and the necessary measures have been taken to tackle the problems of environmental pollution, poverty and lack of socio – economic infrastructures. In addition, the Government’s Amnesty Programme for the militants has yielded fruit as most of them have laid down their arms and are being rehabilitated. Investors can therefore safely conduct their businesses in the region.
On international issues, Nigeria has continued to play a key role in the maintenance of peace and security in Africa. Importantly, our commitment to the United Nations and the international system has been demonstrated over the fears. As a non – permanent member of the Security Council, we have stressed the need for optimizing the use of preventive diplomacy as a veritable tool for conflict management in Africa. In addition, the role Nigeria has played and will continue to play in peace – keeping operations in Africa and around the world is a clear testimony of our unflinching commitment to joining hands with others especially the United Nations in laying a solid foundation upon which human prosperity could be built.
Bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Hungary is stable and cordial but the volume and value of trade relations are low. The official visit of the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to Hungary in November 2001 gave impetus to the enhancement of political and economic relations between the two countries. Both countries are currently negotiating the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement to facilitate the expansion of economic ties. Importantly, some Hungarian companies and organizations particularly DKG – EAST (Refinery Reconstruction), Mckenzie (Capacity Building in Petroleum Technology), IMARSEL (Pharmaceuticals) and the Corvinus University (Agricultural Development Technology) are engaged in joint venture projects with their Nigerian partners. New areas of cooperation that could be explored are renewable energy, transport infrastructure and tourism development.
To mark this historic and unique Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary, the Embassy of Nigeria, Budapest has organized a series of events to be held between 24th and 30th September, 2010. The details are as follows
Anniversary Programme of Events
Friday, 24th September, 2010, 13:00 hrs.
Jum’aat Prayers
Venue: El-Tawba Imaház, 1086 Budapest, Dobozi u. 21.
Saturday, 25th September, 2010, 15:00 hrs.
Sport Fiesta
Venue: Marczibányi Sportcentrum, 1022 Budapest, Marczibányi tér 16.
Sunday, 26th September, 2010, 10:30 hrs.
Interdenominational Anniversary Church Services
Venues:
-The International Church of Budapest, Óbuda Cultural Centre 1036 Budapest, Kiskorona u. 7.
-The New Covenant Church, Kazánház, Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138.
Wednesday, 29th September, 2010, 10:00 hrs.
Nigeria -Hungary Business Seminar
"Enhancing Nigeria- Hungary Trade and Investment Partnership"
Venue: Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, Lecture Hall
1016 Budapest, Bérc u. 13-15
Thursday, 30th September, 2010, 17:30 hrs.
Anniversary Gala Night
Venue: Europa Congress Centre
1021 Budapest, Pálos u. 2.
EMBASSY OF NIGERIA, BUDAPEST 20TH SEPTEMBER, 2010
Nigeria's Golden Jubilee Anniversary Programme of Events : Nigeria @ 50, "Good People, Great Nation"
Friday, 24th September, 2010, 13:30 hrs.
Jum’aat Service
Venue: El-Tawba Imaház, 1086 Budapest, Dobozi u. 21.
Saturday, 25th September, 2010, 15:00 hrs.
Football match between the Afrique International CDF SE and the Buda Juniors International Football Club; egg race, sack race for children
Venue: Marczibányi Sportcentrum, 1022 Budapest, Marczibányi tér 16.
Sunday, 26th September, 2010, 10:30 hrs.
Interdenominational Anniversary Church Services
Venues:
-The International Church of Budapest, Óbuda Cultural Centre 1036 Budapest, Kiskorona u. 7.
-The New Covenant Church, Kazánház, Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138.
Wednesday, 29th September, 2010, 9:30 hrs.
Nigeria -Hungary Business Seminar
"Enhancing Nigeria- Hungary Trade and Investment Partnership"
Venue: Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, Lecture Hall
1016 Budapest, Bérc u. 13-15
Thursday, 30th September, 2010, 17:30 hrs.
Anniversary Gala Night
Venue: Europa Congress Centre
1021 Budapest, Pálos u. 2.
17:30 – 20:00 by invitation only
20:00 – open to all Nigerians
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