FG Plans Low-Key Celebration For Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

The Federal Government has announced plans for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day anniversary, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled to address the nation on October 1.

The development was disclosed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), following the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee saddled with the responsibility of organising the anniversary activities in Abuja.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Speaking after the inauguration, Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, said the anniversary would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the nation’s founding leaders.

According to him, the 66th Independence Anniversary would enable Nigerians to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and enduring legacies of the nation’s founding fathers and heroines who worked for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule.

Akume said Nigeria’s achievements since independence in 1960 were built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists.

He added that the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase the reforms and achievements of the current administration amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.

The SGF stressed that the celebration would be low-key and urged members of the committee to work with urgency given the limited time remaining before October 1.

The anniversary programme will commence with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25 and an Interdenominational Church Service on September 27.

An Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for September 30, while President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast will take place on October 1.

Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Others are the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; and Commander, Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, are also members of the committee, alongside other senior government officials.