The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Centenary celebration

  • Centenary celebration: BA gives colour to B747

    British Airways is about to enjoy a protracted Valentine’s celebration with two iconic ceremonies happening in the love month; 100-year birthday of British Airways and 50th anniversary of the first Boeing 747.

    As part of its 100-year birthday which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first Boeing 747 flight, BA will be painting a Boeing 747 in the much-admired design of its predecessor, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).

    The livery from the 1964 – 1974 BOAC era will adorn a B747, reg: G-BYGC which is expected to leave the paint shop in Dublin and arrive Heathrow on February 18, before entering service the following day.

    The BOAC 747 will be the first aircraft to receive a popular design from British Airways’ past with more details of further designs to be revealed in due course.  Aircraft which receive the retro liveries will fly British Airways’ routes, proudly showcasing some of the popular designs as part of the airline’s centenary celebrations.

    All new aircraft entering the fleet, including the A350, will continue to receive today’s popular Chatham Dockyard design.

    According to Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, “So many British Airways customers and colleagues have fond memories of our previous liveries, regularly sharing their photos from across the globe, so it’s incredibly exciting to be re-introducing this classic BOAC design.

    “Our history has shaped who we are today, so our centenary is the perfect moment to revisit our heritage and the UK’s aviation landscape through this iconic livery.”

    The 747 has been deliberately chosen for the BOAC livery as it is a later variant of the same aircraft type that adorned the design when it was initially in operation.

    The BOAC livery will remain on the Boeing 747 until it retires in 2023. By this time, British Airways will have retired the majority of its 747 fleet, replacing them with new state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft. This includes taking delivery of 18 A350s and 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the next four years – which feature new cabins and are more environmentally efficient – as well as another 26 short-haul aircraft, all part of the airline’s £6.5bn investment for customers.

  • Girls Guide kicks off centenary celebration

    The Nigerian Girl Guides Association (NGA) has kicked off several campaigns at the local, state, and zonal levels ahead of its centenary celebration next year.

    Announcing the programmes at a briefing at the association’s office in Ikoyi on Friday, its Chief Commissioner, Mrs. Maria-Goretti Sule, said the ceremony, which would be an international jamboree, would be celebrated at both the state and zonal levels.

    She said the celebration themed: “100 years of inspiring girls,” would start this year with various activities across states and zones, before the main event next year.

    Deputy Chief Commissioner Dr Nene Iroakasi, said some of the programmes include “Voice against violence” and “free be me”, which according to her, aimed at helping the girl-child achieve her potential and grow her self-esteem.

    Iroakasi said between August 11 and 18, next year, the one week celebration to mark the anniversary would begin with the state centenary camp, zonal centenary camp, stone-laying in Abuja as well as an international jamboree

    There would also be a thanksgiving service in churches and mosques on September 19, which is the association’s birthday, she added.

    Mrs Iroakasi said the voluntary association, which has a manual of training, has achieved a lot in terms of training and developing the girl child to become responsible house wives and reliable individuals.

    She pleaded with the government to work on the country’s security system to avoid the abduction incident of the Chibok and Dapchi girls from repeating itself.

    “I will like to plead to the government to work on the security of the county. I would have thought that once bitten is twice shy. We talked about the Chibok girls some months back and today is the Dapchi girls.

    “How long are we going to continue to expose these girls to such ridicule? As far as I am concerned, I will like to plead to the government to pay much attention to security.”

     

  • UAMC unveils documentary for centenary celebration

    The United African Methodist Church (UAMC) is set to unveil a documentary as part of programmes to celebrate its centenary.

    The church will clock 100 on November 27, its founder’s day

    The anniversary begins with a revival in all circuits on the 24th, special intercession across its churches on the 26th, a visit to selected charity homes and unveiling of the documentary on the 27th.

    A national Thanksgiving service on December 3 at its Oke-Arin, Lagos headquarters will climax the activities.

    A plaque engraved with the list of founding fathers, late presidents, clergy bishops among others will also be launch same day.

    The Conference Standing Committee General Secretary, Taiwo Ayeni, said the church has continued to leverage the care for members and cultural values for the growth and development of her evangelistic outreach.

    He said: “Only 65 worshippers were at the first Sunday Regular Service on 29 December, 1917 at Customs Street, Lagos, the residence of the late Prince Ademuyiwa Haastrup.

    “The Church grew tremendously with the first church auditorium at the headquarters followed by churches at Alagbado and Ebute-Meta. It was administered so well that leaders were organised to be closely knit with the members.”

    Ayeni noted that the organisation had made “noble contributions” to social system through provision of basic education, health care centres, adolescence development and continuous support for social stability through its members in key positions of authority.

     

     

     

     

  • Presbyterian Church plans centenary celebration for Mary Slessor

    The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) is set to celebrate Mary Slessor, a Scotland missionary, who helped to stop the killing of twins among other fetish practice in Nigeria, precisely in present day Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia and Ebonyi States.

    Mary Mitchell Slessor was born in Gilcomston, Aberdeen, Scotland in 1846 and was appointed by the Mission Board, United Presbyterian Church, Edinburgh, to Calabar in 1876.

    In a media interaction at the Akwa Synod of the Church on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State over the weekend, the Synod Moderator, Rev (Dr) Moses Edem, recalled that the young lady abandoned her marriage proposal at 28 years when she received the call to serve God and thereafter dedicated the rest of her life for the good of mankind in Nigeria especially in the present day Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia and Ebony States.

    He said: “The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) is set to celebrate the life and times of one of the greatest early missionaries to Nigeria whose sacrificial service, particularly in the crusade for the preservation of the sanctity of human lives in the country are legendary –  Mary Mitchell Slessor.

    “Her crusades yielded many positive results such as: the stoppage of the killing of twin babies and the banishment of their mothers. The stoppage of the application of “Esere beans” on people suspected of witchcraft in Okoyong, ltu, and lkot Obong areas.”

    The Moderator added that though Mary Slessor came basically as a missionary of the Church of Scotland now PCN, she also played the role of a teacher, magistrate, medical officer and peacemaker.

    Her activities helped to bring about a new lease of life to the areas administered.

    The moderator who gave a rundown of the centenary celebrations which kicked-off since November 10 will end with a memorial/thanksgiving services to be held at the PCN, Duke Town, Calabar with the governors of the four states and top echelons of the church expected.

     

  • 2015: World leaders task Jonathan on free, fair elections

    2015: World leaders task Jonathan on free, fair elections

    The United Kingdom (UK) and Germany were among the world leaders that urged President Goodluck Jonathan to put everything in place to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2015.

    They spoke in Abuja at the Nigeria’s Centenary conference themed: “Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for 21st Century Africa.”

    Nigeria, they said, should strive to get it right in the forthcoming elections in order to continue to be role model for other African countries.

    U.K Foreign Office Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, who represented the British Prime Minister at the conference said, “By virtue of her scale and energy, Nigeria could lead the way. Next February’s elections will be a vital milestone – Nigeria’s fifth consecutive Presidential election under civilian rule.”

    “Mr. President, you have committed yourself to ensuring that the elections are free and fair. I am confident Nigerians will accept nothing less. And in doing so, you and your government could be a role model for many other African governments.”

    He went on: “I am honoured, Mr President, to speak today of Nigeria and Africa. I am always struck by Nigeria’s youth and vitality. I believe strongly that your country, and the countries represented here today, should be viewed through the lens of promise and ambition. I want to take this opportunity to focus on the great future ahead of Nigeria and its African counterparts face.”

    “It is a future that is closely linked to the achievement of prosperity, stability and democracy. And I believe that, as is the case in Europe, it is the choices African leaders make in these three areas that will determine Africa’s future.

    “Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, said on Independence Day in 1960 that Nigeria’s relations with the UK were “always as friends.” That is as true now as 54 years ago.

    “Our relationship is rooted in our joint history; in the large and important Nigerian community in the UK; the deep and expanding trade relationship; and our countless educational, sporting and cultural connections.

    “So it is exciting to recognize, as we stand at the dawn of a new century for Nigeria, that the future brings with it extraordinary possibilities for your country, and for many African nations.

    “In 1914, the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and Lagos, brought together peoples, territory and resources that had never before considered themselves as having mutual interests. That brought challenges- and perhaps still does.

    “But Nigeria’s diversity has brought the Country strength, resilience and a multitude of talent. It has growing international influence as a peacekeeper, as a leader in the African Union and on the United Nations Security Council. The Country has become the driving economic and political force of its region.

    “I believe we share a vision that we want to see realised in our lifetime. It is the vision of independent, thriving and dynamic African countries, overcoming poverty, famine and conflict.”

     

     

  • Yobe: We’ll bring murderers to justice – Jonathan

    Yobe: We’ll bring murderers to justice – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathanon Thursday promised that no resource will be spared in bringing to justice all murderers engaging in violent activities in the northern part of the country.

    The Boko Haram sect and other terrorists groups have killed thousands of Nigerians, maimed and destroyed billions of naira worth of properties.

    Speaking at the Centenary Conference in Abuja, themed: “Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for the 21st Century,” Jonathan said that Africa must address some fundamental challenges to the continent’s human security, peace and development.

    He said, “But as I address you today, I have a heavy heart. Two days ago, terrorists invaded a secondary school and murdered innocent children in Yobe State, while they slept. The children, the hopes of their parents and the future leaders of our dear nation, had their hopes and dreams snuffed out, leaving behind grieving families, schoolmates, communities and a sad nation.

    “Our prayers and thoughts are with their families at this difficult moment of loss. This gruesome and mindless act of savagery is not Nigerian. It is not African. Let me assure all Nigerians that we will spare no resource in bringing those murderers to justice.

    According to him, terrorism which is a global menace has extended its tentacles to Africa and Nigeria.

    Stressing that the menace of the use of small arms and light weapons is on the rise, he said that out of the 500 million illegal small arms and light weapons in the world, an estimated 100 million are in Africa, with 10 per cent in West Africa.

    Jonathan said that the cost of wars and insurgencies are too high and that Africa has been estimated to lose $18 billion per year from wars and insurgencies.

    “In concert with our regional and global partners, we will continue to respond strategically and decisively to this scourge, and together with our people we shall end the killings and bring terrorism to an end.

    “Your Excellencies, let us work together across boundaries, not only to coordinate and strengthen our defences, but also to address any socio-economic roots on which these extreme ideologies thrive.

    “Terrorism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We all must work together, collectively, to rid our world of haters of peace, who use terror to maim, kill, instill fear and deny people their rights to peace and security.

    He said that greater regional cooperation in intelligence gathering and control of insurgents will not only ensure Nigeria’s security, but also the security of her neighbours.

     

  • 28 leaders to attend Nigeria’s centenary celebration

    28 leaders to attend Nigeria’s centenary celebration

    Federal Government on Wednesday disclosed that at least 28 World leaders have indicated their interest to attend the country’s centenary celebrations.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, announced this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

    He was accompanied to the briefing by Information Minister, Labaran Maku, FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, Labour Minister, Emeka Wogu, Ministers of Mines and Steel, Musa Sada, Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, Interior, Abbah Moro and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Goni Aji.

    According to Anyim, President Jonathan is expected to host an international conference on peace and security in Africa to be attended by the world leaders.

    He also said the government has set up a Board of Trustees headed by former Head of state, Yakubu Gowon, that will manage funds realized from the Centenary Fund Raising Ball, to be held on February 25 in Lagos to kick start activities for the centenary celebration.

    The SGF also said the International Conference will hold on the 27th of this month with international leaders from 28 countries and Heads of states representing their countries.

    The conference, he said, will attempt to focus Africa’s attention on the need to tackle insecurity on the African continent.

     

  • Centenary Celebration Flag-off

    Centenary Celebration Flag-off

  • Jonathan, Gowon, Buhari, others inaugurate centenary celebration

    Jonathan, Gowon, Buhari, others inaugurate centenary celebration

    President Goodluck Jonathan led five former Presidents and Heads of State on Monday evening to inaugurate the nation’s centenary anniversary celebration.

    The anniversary will hold on January 1, 2014.

    The British colonial administration amalgamated the Southern and Northern Protectorates which make up the Nigerian nation on January 1, 1914.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that former military Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, former Presidents Shehu Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo also graced the occasion held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, his Deputy Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, his Deputy, Chief Emeka Ihedioha and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar also attended the event.

    State Governors, Ministers, Presidential aides, captains of Industry, members of Diplomatic Corps also were present at the occasion.

    Speaking at the occasion, Jonathan said the amalgamation of 1914 was not a mistake but an act of God.

    He said the amalgamation created “a unique entity of the globe called Nigeria; a beautiful country richly blessed and which had turned out innovative people across the world.’’

    The president said that beyond the endowed natural resources, “Nigeria is blessed with unique collection of people specially created by God.’’

    “The one Nigeria consciousness which has kept the nation together must be safeguarded.’’

    The president said that it was a unique act of God that the country had survived a civil war and several other daunting challenges.

    “The unity of Nigeria is indivisible and non-negotiable, we must remain the forward looking people that we are.

    “I see a united, powerful and prosperous nation that will make the generation yet unborn very proud.

    “Arise, we shall and prosper we will,’’ he said.