By Lawrence Olaoye
President Goodluck Jonathan is to unveil the specially designed commemorative N100 banknote by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) today, Wednesday.
The commemorative note is part of the CBN’s contribution to the centenary celebration, which is in line with its mandate of issuing legal tender currency in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Apex Bank said 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.
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. While retaining the portrait of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on the front, the new note features 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.
A statement by Ibrahim Mu’azu, Director, Corporate Communications department, CBN has also emphasized that the commemorative note is for the purpose of the centenary celebration and will circulate alongside the existing N 100 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 the Bank, in 2010, 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.
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