Nigeria centenary edition of Monopoly unveiled

The first ever West African Commemorative Country edition of MONOPOLY, The Nigeria Centenary Edition was unveiled on Wednesday April 2^nd, 2014, at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagosby The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke. The presentation was to a distinguished audience, which included Mr. Odein Ajumogobia SAN, Mr. Peter Carter, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Wale Edun, Representative of the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Adeyinka, Head of Corporate Communications, Firstbank of Nigeria plc, Mrs. Folake Ani- Mumuney, Head of Private Clients, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, and Deputy Managing Director, UBA , Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and Professor Pat Utomi.

The board had been formally launched by His Excellency, Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo at the Centenary Charity Gala on February 25^th, 2014.

This iconic edition of the MONOPOLY game celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Nations

amalgamation. The 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria is of historic significance as the culturally diverse people of Nigeria came under one central colonial administration, governed by Lord Frederick Lugard.

Nimi Akinkugbe, the CEO Bestman Games explained, “This special Nigeria Centenary Edition, speaks eloquently and visually to our diversity and uniqueness as a Nation as it illuminates the numerous and precious heritage sites and iconic locations across our vast country”.

The Nigeria Centenary Edition of the Monopoly board game showcases some of the nation’s most famous heritage sites: from the sacred Olumo rock towering over the ancient city of Abeokuta to the enchanting and picturesque Wikki Warm Spring in Yankari National Park. The board, box lid and charming brochure capture a wide array of attractions, cultural events and rich history.

With the endorsement of the Nigeria Centenary Committee and Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), this historic heritage edition of the MONOPOLY game has also enjoyed the support of leading financial institutions including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Zenith Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Mansard Insurance and the Joint Tax Board together with media companies including Silverbird Group, The BeatFm, Smooth Fm, EbonyLife TV, London-Based OHTV, Guardian newspaper and Thisday Newspaper. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation featured on the board game, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

This Centenary edition however offers more than just the thrill of an exciting board game. Embedded in the “Opportunity” and “Chance” cards are strong social messages, that seek to educate players about our  environmental laws, promote personal financial literacy, travel and tourism. One card for example reads “You have been posted to Sokoto for your National Youth Service Corps orientation camp collect N50”A unique feature of this commemorative edition is the inclusion by Hasbro of a special playing token in the form of a football boot. The boot was included to acknowledge and celebrate our common love for football and to honour our outstanding National teams, the Eagles, the Falcons and the Flamingoes over many years.