the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled a specially designed commemorative N100 note as part of its own contribution to Nigeria’s centenary celebration.
The note will be unveiled by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Wednesday, the bank said in a statement on Monday.
CBN explained that the commemorative note is is in line with its mandate of issuing legal tender currency in Nigeria.
According to the bank, 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.
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 is also designed to incorporate additional security features for digital communication, protection against counterfeiting, tolerance to the tropics and ease of recognition of genuineness.
“The Bank wishes to emphasise that the commemorative note is for the purpose of the centenary celebration and will circulate alongside the existing N 100 note.
“Wednesday’s unveiling ceremony will be preceded by a brief presentation by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, detailing the aesthetic and security features of the note,” it explained.
The CBN had in 2010, 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.
