The hallmark of the celebrations took place in Abuja on Thursday, February 27, 2014.

Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang yesterday, February 27, 2014 represented President Paul Biya in celebrations marking 100 years of the existence of Nigeria as a nation.

The celebrations characterized by a series of activities are organised on the theme, “Human security, peace and development: An agenda for Africa” press reports said. The Secretary to the Government of Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim was quoted as explaining that the theme of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations was designed around the key concepts of unity, indivisibility, virility, progress and promise of the Nigerian federation.

The celebration theme was the focus of the International Conference in Abuja with the aim to focus Africa’s attention on the need to tackle insecurity in the continent. Scores of world leaders were reported at the  conference which was the culmination of centenary celebrations marking Nigeria’s unification.

The motivation for the centenary celebrations stems from the fact that modern-day Nigeria came into being on January 1, 1914 with the formal amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of the former British colony. As such, January 1, 2014 marks the 100 years of the union. The celebration of the centenary, offers a unique opportunity to focus global attention on Nigeria, her history, peoples, achievements and aspirations.

The event reports indicated, therefore is a moment to celebrate Nigeria’s history and unity; diversity, hopes and great promise that inspires the Nigerian people; reinforce the hopes and express the shared values, strengthen national consciousness  and patriotism; preserve the heritage, document the country’s history, achievements and progress; institute legacy projects as a lasting reference for the centenary; promote enterprise development, wealth, job creation; women and youth empowerment; environmental awareness and the national image and enhance prestige.