‘The N5000 note an honour to women’

Presidential aide says the image of three women on the highest currency shows Goodluck Jonathan’s good side

Article | August 25, 2012 - 7:45am | By Emsaro Pedro

The Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Joy Emodi, said on Friday that the image of three Nigerian women on the newly approved N5,000 note was an honour for women.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had announced on Thursday that it has gotten presidential approval to introduce N5,000 notes bearing the pictures of late human rights activists - Funmilayo Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Gambo Sawaba.
Emodi said it was a confirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s belief that women had positive contributions to offer to the country.
“The move is historic for Nigerian women, as it marks the first time any government will bestow them with this magnitude of recognition and respect,” she said. “The remembrance of these great women, long after their death, shows that our roles in times of national challenge will eventually fish us out as heroes or villains.”
Emodi also added that the representation of the National Assembly on the new currency was a demonstration of the president’s recognition of the parliament as the symbol of the nation’s democracy.
She, therefore, urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government in its effort to sustain the nation’s democracy for sustainable development. “I call on Nigerians, especially our women, to continue to support President Jonathan’s administration since Mr President has proved beyond reasonable doubt, he is a man they can trust.”