The winning design for the 50th Independence Anniversary logo has been accepted and is presently being formalized for usage. Samuel Uge, who entered the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo concept Competition earlier this year in June, created the concept that served as the basis for the finished logo. Uge, a Communication Officer employed with the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea, was present at the National Events Secretariat office last week to complete formalities at a small ceremony. Uge picks up the winner's prize money of K10, 000. Acting NES Director, Robert Wong, and Uge officially signed the Logo design release as part of formalities. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko MP confirmed that the winning original design inspired the final logo and was slightly modified to suit the 50th Independence Anniversary occasion. The 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations will carry the message theme, 'Celebrate our History, Inspire our Future'. This theme illustrates Papua New Guinea’s journey as a nation since independence to date, and beyond. "Following a thorough selection process through thousands of entries from around the country, the winning design has inspired the final 50th Independence Anniversary logo. The logo symbolizes 50 years of Independence, with the numbers designed in gold, commemorating our Golden Jubilee as a nation, and depicts the 'kumul' bird of paradise - our national emblem, and the stars representing the Southern Cross – our heritage. The Logo will be used by permission ONLY to ensure that promotion of Anniversary Celebrations in Papua New Guinea and abroad, are clearly Unique and Distinct from all other commemorative branding for the occasion. The logo will officially be registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) for intellectual property purposes, and to protect it from general and commercial usage. Minister Tkatchenko thanked and congratulated the thousands of entrants and designers who contributed to the nation-wide competition, and for being a part of preparations for the historic occasion. “Entries were of a high standard, with quality personal artistic impressions and designs portraying each individual's inspiration, and the most suitable and original design was selected.” Uge expressed his appreciation to the competition organizers and the National Events Secretariat for the opportunity. “I am deeply humbled and honored to have my design selected as the winner of the PNG 50th Independence Logo Competition. It is truly a privilege to contribute to this significant milestone in our nation's history," he said “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the competition organizers for providing this platform and to the selection committee for recognizing my work amidst so many outstanding designs from across the country. Uge officially signed the copyright release form to enable the authority to utilize the logo in its preparations for the 50th Anniversary celebrations.