Jonathan unveils N100 centenary commemorative note

FROM JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, ABUJA

President Goodluck Jonathan yester­day formally un­veiled the new N100 note to commemorate Nige­ria’s centenary celebra­tion at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Jonathan was joined by Vice President Namadi Sambo and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Gover­nor, Godwin Emefiele, to unveil the note during the Federal Executive Coun­cil meeting in a very brief ceremony. Emefiele said the N100 note is to com­memorate the 100 years of the nation’s amalgamation.

He listed some countries that had before now issued currencies to mark histori­cal events to include Mo­rocco, Russia and Costa Rica, among others, stress­ing that the new note was produced with the most advanced security features in the world.

Emefiele listed the de­sign platforms on which the note was made to in­clude security (resistance to counterfeiting), durabil­ity (tolerance to tropics), attractiveness for use in cash driven economy, cul­tural heritage (collective memorry of Nigeria) and transformation (is the first paper bank note).

Jonathan hailed the CBN for coming up with the commemorative note, though it was coming a bit late since activities mark­ing the nation’s centenary had been concluded. He recalled that commemora­tive N50 notes were also introduced to mark the na­tion’s 50th independence anniversary.

Also speaking, Minis­ter of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, commend­ed the CBN for coming up with the notes. She spe­cifically lauded the QRC feature on the back of the note, saying it was a smart move that will interest the youths.

The code, if scanned with iPhones or iPads, leads users to a website where the nation’s his­tory could be accessed. The minister also raised questions on the amount the CBN will use to print the new notes urging to explore whether it can be done locally.

Source : SunOnline