Kufuor to 'Rock' Abuja

Tourism all over the world remains a very important tool in promoting and showcasing the best of culture, places, creativity and economy of a given city, town or country. A celebration of Nigeria's 46th Independence Anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of Abuja will take place in the FCT. Trust Entertainment has the scoop for you.

The event is set to uniquely place Abuja rightfully as a world class centre of tourist attraction. Expected to grace the events and to 'rock', live in Abuja, are President John Kuffor of Ghana as the Special Guest of Honour, who is expected to deliver a key note address on the "Place of Africa in Global Economy". Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, President Olusegun Obasanjo, two other African Presidents and other international dignitaries are also expected to attend.

An international event tagged'Abuja Rocks', billed to be the most eagerly-awaited event on the social calendar of Abuja, is set to bring tourists to Nigeria to appreciate the Nigerian brand and to potentially take the advantage of the business exhibition and entertainment. The event is set to uniquely place Abuja rightfully as a world class centre of tourist attraction. Expected to grace the events and to 'rock', live in Abuja, are President John Kuffor of Ghana as the Special Guest of Honour, who is expected to deliver a key note address on the "Place of Africa in Global Economy". Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, President Olusegun Obasanjo, two other African Presidents and other international dignitaries are also expected to attend.

Mr Yomi Dada, the coordinator of the event, told Trust Entertainment that "this world-class presentation is packaged to strengthen the consciousness of unity in Nigeria and to strive to consolidate efforts of re-branding the image of Nigeria through music, art and business, and it will provide a unique opportunity for Nigerians to express their views about the stewardship of some public officers and few in the private sector."

The Selection Committee, which is made up of respected individuals, seasoned technocrats, professionals with years of experience in the field, had a hectic time in scrutinizing the twenty-two names submitted for each of the categories.

The public is to participate in the selection process of choosing the award recipient by simply voting for their choice through print and/or electronic media and SMS. "The code and other details will be out soonest," said Dada. The voting for the awards starts from 1st October and ends on 21st October, 2006, he said.

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"This award has many categories which include Public Acceptance, Positive Attitude, Best Corporate Practices, Leadership Qualities, Selfless Service, Philanthropic Gesture, etc.," added Dada. Akintola Williams Deloitte, foremost accounting firm in Nigeria, will be the one to do the verification and the overall coordination of the award section of the event. Nominees include Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, 2Face Idibia, Dr Dora Akunyili and many others. "The main award categories are four, with two in the public sector and two in the private sector," said Mrs Subuola Kokobili, the Public Relations Manager of the event.

For the Private sector, the 'Abuja Rocks' event has a category called Employer of Choice. The nominees include Globacom, Nestle, Zenith Bank and many others. This category is meant to showcase companies which thousands of Nigerians would wish to work with, said Dada. Then the last award category, w hich is in the private sector, is the Most Outstanding Entrepreneur. The nominees include Alhaji Isiaku Rabiu, Chief Obateru, Aliko Dangote, Prof. Pat Utomi and others. "Expectedly, this category is meant for that man with the Midas touch, and one whose acumen has translated dreams into flourishing reality and opportunities," Kokobili told Trust Entertainment.

The names of the eventual award recipients will enter a Hall of Honour roll call, devoted to the recognition of noteworthy individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions in their given field of endeavour towards uniting Nigerian people regardless of tribe, colour, sex, political affiliation or the like, said Dada. The 'Abuja Rocks' event is expected to take place between 20th-28th of October 2006 at the FCT, Abuja, with products and service exhibition, world-class musical concerts and a compelling stage play titled 'The Sisters', among others.