Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has finally unveiled the much talked about new Nigeria in a gigantic art project tagged ‘Nigeria Rebirth.’
The event which held recently was attended by prominent Nigerians including Ambassadors of many countries as well as captains of industry, aimed to transform Nigeria through a rebirth which was symbolically represented in a masterpiece; a concept initiated by Comrade Isaac Balami’s Cabinet-X Africa and supported by the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture. 36 artistes from all states of the federation participated in the art project and were recognised at the event.
The wife of the President who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, assured the organisers of her commitment to a new Nigeria.
She also thanked the group for making her the Grand Patron of the rebirth; saying the need for the National Rebirth had become necessary as the country was being faced with some challenges bequeathed it. According to Buhari, the project would bring about society free of corruption, nepotism and greed among other vices.
The project, she said, “will remind us that there is a drop and depth of greatness in every Nigerian. We are not yet there until all hands are on deck. We will achieve the desired change we all desire.
“She stated that African countries were looking up to Nigeria for positive change, affirming that once Nigeria attains a transformation, the entire continent would equally see a change. The president’s wife said the present administration would continue to fight vices that hinder the development of the country, emphasising that youths were the agents of change in every nation, as they constitute the largest part of population of the country.
She thanked the project team led by Cabinet X Africa Initiative, 37 artistes from each state and other stakeholders for their contribution to actualising the rebirth project.
In what many have termed speech of the 21st century, the President and CEO of Cabinet-X Africa who is also the President, National Association of Aircraft and Pilot Engineers, Comrade Isaac Balami propelled Nigerian youths into action, saying the future of the country lies in the hands of exceptional and dogged Nigerian youths.
Balami who stressed on the importance of the rebirth asserted that, ‘’the past and present challenges of our nation need to be confronted by the rebirthing of a new Nigeria so that our future can be reshaped.
He said that on the 22nd of June 2015, ‘’the idea of a more united and prosperous new Nigeria was initiated, leading to a conceptual depiction of a New Nigeria which is being expressed by the Nigeria Rebirth Art Piece, which is the biggest Unity Art Work in Africa.
He said the artwork lasted for 100 days, and was painted by 37 artistes representing the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT. He said, ‘’The Art Piece was initiated by the Cabinet X Africa Initiative and creatively drawn with the collaboration of Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Gallery of Art. He, however said that President Muhammadu Buhari would be the 38th artiste to work on the gigantic masterpiece, stating that the effort is “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.
According to him, the project team will showcase the new Nigerian concept in 20 countries globally as well as going around the 36 states of the federation. The coordinator said the tour would build unity among Nigerians and as well create positive impressions about Nigeria globally.
Balami said that the touring of 36 states was to support the state governments to harmonise their areas of economic advantages and to raise awareness among Nigerians. He said after showcasing the new Nigeria to the world, the project would be handed over to President Buhari on October 1.
