President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, rolled out Diamond Jubilee celebration by unveiling the “Nigeria at 60” logo at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
Nigeria gained political independence on October 1 from the British and has been annually marking her independence on that day.
Some ministers at the meeting include the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
“Celebrating 60 years of independence really calls for pomp and pageantry, but the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced all nations to think and act differently, has also forced on us the imperative of a low-keyed celebration.
“Operating within the limitations placed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we created an internet challenge for Nigerians to make a choice from a set of four pre-selected logos that will appropriately define theme.
“Of these four options, Nigerians from all walks of life participated in making a choice and I’m happy to let you know that the logo I will be unveiling is a product of choice from the Nigerian people.
“I’m informed that the selected option depicts our togetherness; a country of over 200 million people, whose natural talents, grits and passion glitter like the precious diamond we are.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, this government will work towards greater inclusiveness and look forward to the participation of all Nigerians,’’ he said.
Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the unveiling of the logo marks the official take-off of Nigeria’s 60th anniversary.
Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, narrated how the committee arrived at the selection of the ‘Diamond Logo’ from 15 different possibilities designed by patriotic Nigerian firms.
He thanked the president for engaging members of the committee in the national assignment.