By Chibisi Ohakah
Abuja
All is set for the unveiling today of the commemorative N100 banknote by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The currency note is designed specially by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) part of the apex bank’s contribution to the centenary celebration.
The choice of the N100 denomination is to mark the centenary celebration of Nigeria and is consistent with best global practices for central banks around the world during the celebration of national events.
While retaining the portrait of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on the front, part of the features of the commemorative banknote is the inscription of the theme of the centenary celebration: “One Nigeria, Great Promise” as a micro-text. The new note will also feature Nigerian traditional dancers at the back. The commemorative note comes in different dominant colours.
The new note is also designed to incorporate additional security features for digital communication, protection against counterfeiting, tolerance to the tropics and ease of recognition of genuineness.
CBN director, corporate communications, Ibarahim Mu’azu, said yesterday that the commemorative note is for the purpose of the centenary celebration and will circulate alongside the existing N100 note.
Wednesday’s unveiling ceremony will be preceded by a brief presentation by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, detailing the aesthetic and security features of the note.
It will be recalled that in 2010, the CBN issued commemorative N50 polymer note to mark Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration. The N100 note bearing the portrait of Chief Obafemi Awolowo was first issued in December 1999.