AFRIPOL.ORG IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES
Why Arabic Inscription was Removed from Naira
From Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto, 02.16.2007
On New Naira Notes:
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has described recent removal of the Arabic inscription on new notes as not targeted at any group, adding that the denominations were translated into Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba for easy identification and to also promote the Nigerian culture.
Soludo said this when he paid a courtesy visit on the Sultan of Sokoto, yesterday.
Soludo said “we are here on a sensitisation campaign, to enlighten the public on the new currency restructuring, which will be launched formally on February 28, 2007. I will also like to inform you that removal of the Arabic inscription on the notes is not targeted at any group or religion, but rather, to promote our language and cultural heritage.
"As you can see, Naira is the symbol of our nationalism and our pride. It is pertinent to let you understand that Arabic is not one of our national languages and it was inscribed on the notes 40 years ago because majority of people then can read it in the northern part of the country, at the detriment of their counterparts in the south.
"There is nothing as difficult as change, because it is the only thing that is constant. In fact, the country has to grow and move forward and people will get accustomed to the innovation. So, we want journalists to assist in enlightening the public on the new notes and reforms going on, especially removal of the Arabic letters on the currency which is done to promote unity in diversity," he explained
Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Saadu Abubakar, commended him for the banking reforms which has transformed the economy and financial landscape.
"I personally congratulate you for the wonderful reforms you have initiated in the financial sector, which has made the Nigerian economy more viable.
"Reform is necessary for development and progress. Thus, for a country to leapfrog and attain economic growth and prosperity, it requires change, which is sometimes painful and against the normal way of doing things. Even here in the caliphate, we know what reforms stand for and will strive to give our support to enable you achieve your goals," he said.