As part of activities lined up to mark Nigeria’s centenary celebration, President Goodluck Jonathan has invited 28 heads of state worldwide to Abuja next Thursday February 27th 2014, for an international conference on security.
Information Minister, Mr Labaran Maku disclosed this to State House correspondents yesterday after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Maku noted that the idea of the conference with the theme “Human Security, Peace and Development: An Agenda for Africa” was to draw the attention to the imperative for concerted efforts in the fight against terrorism and conflict in many African countries.
“President Goolduck Ebele Jonathan will speak at this very important conference. He is bringing other leaders from Africa and around the world to this very important conference. Africa has a challenge now of dealing with post-independence insecurity. Several countries are having security challenge and conflict”, Maku said
Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim said there would be a live concert in the evening to showcase Nigeria’s history and the achievements recorded in the last 100 years.
Ayim said 100 distinguished Nigerians would get presidential awards in recognition of their contributions to national development in the last 100 years. He noted that 40 per cent of the awards will be posthumous.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Musa Sada said those to be considered for the awards include heroes of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, pioneers in commerce and industry, promoters of democratic transition, sports heroes, accomplished pioneer civil servants, accomplished contemporary entrepreneurs, internationally acclaimed artists and literary icons, promoters of peace and moral excellence.
