Nigerian is about to witness yet another historical moment as the
presidency makes to unveil the new phase of the country at the
Presidential villa in Abuja. This development follows the initiative of
the Nigeria Rebirth Arts Project carefully and
creatively packaged by the Cabinet X Africa Initiative in collaboration
with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture as well as the
National Gallery of Art.
The President, Cabinet
X Africa Initiative, Comrade Isaac Balami has revealed to inquisitive
journalists that the unveiling ceremony scheduled to hold at the
presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, 17th of March, 2016 at the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja by 5:00pm
will unveil a new Nigerian identity that will be characterized by a
renewed definition of what Nigeria represents in Africa and the world
over.
According to Balami, who is also the
President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers,
NAAPE, the noble idea was borne out of the zeal to correct the wrong
impression being held about Nigeria globally.
Read full statement below:
''The
change mantra of the present government can become most effective only
when its global image is projected in the most positive way. ‘’ We have
been yearning for this change, now we have this change, but our local
and international image is equally important. It’s a nucleus with which
this change mission can be accomplished. The past is always there to
haunt us, and the only way we can get rid of the ugly past is to
re-launch a new Nigeria. It’s with this that our today’ and our future
can be reshaped, ‘’ Balami asserted.
''A rebirth
gigantic artwork has already been completed, waiting to be unveiled. He
said, it was the first in the history of the country where 37 artistes
across the country came together to redefine Nigeria through the art. He
said, ‘’ the Rebirth Art piece is designed to
strengthen the bond within us as Nigerians, and fortify the cord of
unity across Nigeria. It has gone down into record that this is the
first time thirty seven (37) artists from the thirty six (36) states and
FCT came together to paint one (1) National Portrait on one (1) giant
Canvas within the period of ninety (90) days at the Unity Fountain Abuja
Opposite Millennium Park.’’
''The national
portrait was creatively put together with the supervision of the
National Gallery of Art and other related bodies . He also disclosed
that, the portrait, after the unveiling ceremony in the country, would
be going on a world tour, aiming to unveil the phase of new Nigeria to
the rest of the world. .
He said, ''the core objectives of the G20-36 global tour is to display the Nigeria Rebirth
Art Piece which is the diplomatic and orientation vehicle of the
Nigerian Dream, to unveil Nigerian dream through diverse strategic
sessions and stimulate multi-stakeholders dialogue, bilateral agreements
and public-private partnerships towards the implementation of the
Nigeria project. The tour is aimed at building trust among nations and
create conducive atmosphere and comfort zone for investors in Nigeria.
''The Nigerian 36 states tour
is geared towards supporting the State Governments in harmonizing their
Areas of Economic Advantages (AEA) and to raise awareness among the
population in the individual states that a new Nigeria is here.
'The
G20-36 Partnership Framework will link the Nigerian 36 states and the
G20 Countries to build tactical partnerships that hinge on skills &
Technology transfer and infrastructural development for Nigeria of our
collective dream.
''The
G20-36 Tour is also a measure to restore the hope and faith of
Nigerians in diaspora to bring back home their expertise and knowledge
towards building the New Nigeria of our collective dream. We will also
collect the thumb prints and signatures of over 10,000,000 Diasporas,
Nigerian lovers and development partners which is the sign of their
commitment to contributing their quotas to the achievement of the New
Nigeria .
''We have in our plans to conclude our national and international tour with the Art Piece on or before 1st October,2016. On that day, the Rebirth
Art Pieace shall be handed over to the leadership of the nation under
the able leadership of the father our nation, President Muhammadu
Buhari.''
''The tour is in partnership with our
major supporter, SAHELIAN CENTRE, a group of passionate and powerful
Nigerians with a goal to support the government and collaborate with all
Nigerians in fulfilling the Nigerian Dream.
''Nigeria Rebirth
Art project is not just an art piece; it’s a new ideological framework
that will transform and strengthen our homes, offices, schools,
institutions and the nation as a whole and thereby enhancing our
economic, socio-political, security and international outlook.
Balami
disclosed further that the wife of the President who is the grand
patron of the initiative would be on ground to personally unveil the
project at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. He further made
it public that other dignitaries who shall honour the ceremony includes
the members of the national assembly, wives of state governors, captains
of industries and other special guests.
