Jonathan to unveil N100 centenary commemoration note

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is to unveil the commemorative N100 banknote specially designed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to Ibarahim Mu’azu, director, corporate communications department of CBN,  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.

“The choice of the N100 denomination was 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,” Mu’azu said.

“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 was also designed to incorporate additional security features for digital communication, protection against counterfeiting, tolerance to the tropics and ease of recognition of genuineness.

CBN emphasised that the commemorative note is for the purpose of the centenary celebration and will circulate alongside the existing N 100 note.

The unveiling ceremony, which is slated for Wednesday, will be preceded by a brief presentation detailing the aesthetic and security features of the note to be delivered by Godwin Emefiele, governor of CBN.

In 2010, 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.