-As England’s Queen congratulates Jonathan
Over 20 Heads of State have converged in the International Conference Center Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, to commemorate Nigeria’s 100 years of existence, beginning with an international conference on: Human Security, Peace and Development.
Some of the leaders present were President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia and Prosper Bazombaza of Burundi.
Liberian President, Helen Sirleaf and the former Secretary-General of OAU, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim who led the Tanzanian delegation, were also in for the celebration.
Also in Abuja were the President of Mauritania, Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, Ethiopian President, Mr Hailemarian Desalegh, and the European Union President, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, and many others.
Presenting the lead paper, President Goodluck Jonathan, while highlighting the economic growth in the continent, told the
world leaders present, that there was a need for collaboration in the fight against terrorism, which is a global threat to development.
The President told his guests that world leaders must strengthen existing mechanism for national and international conflict management.
Citing the recent attack on students in Yobe State, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government would spare no funds in its resolve to bring the perpetuators to justice.
The theme of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations is designed around the key concepts of unity, indivisibility, virility, progress, and promise of the Nigerian Federation.
In a related development Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and people of Nigeria on the occasion of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations.
In a message delivered to President Jonathan by Britain’s Minister for Africa, Mr. Mark Simmonds, Queen Elizabeth II conveyed her best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Nigeria.
The message reads “On the occasion of the Republic of Nigeria celebrating 100 years since the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria, I send the people of Nigeria my warmest congratulations.
“I have fond memories of my first visit to Nigeria in 1956 and again in 2003 as Head of the Commonwealth.
“The links between our two countries have deepened over the past 100 years and I hope they will continue to do so.
“I would like to convey my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Nigeria,” the British monarch wrote.
