The Federal Government(FG) has settled for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1.
The decision was disclosed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in a statement made available to journalists on Friday.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been constituted to coordinate the anniversary programme in Abuja, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, serving as chairman.
Akume, represented at the committee’s inauguration by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the people who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
“The 66th Independence Anniversary provides an opportunity for 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.
He noted that the country’s progress since 1960 had been built on the foundation laid by the nationalists who secured independence from British colonial rule.
The occasion, he added, would also give the administration an avenue to present its reforms and achievements against the backdrop of the socio-economic difficulties confronting the country.
Akume directed members of the committee to work within the limited timeframe before October 1. He noted that the anniversary activities would be conducted on a low-key scale.
The programme will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24. A Juma’at Service will follow on September 25, while an Interdenominational Church Service is scheduled for September 27.
An Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on September 30, one day before the President addresses Nigerians nationwide on the anniversary itself.
The committee brings together senior officials from key sectors of the Federal Government with a view to reflecting the security, economic, diplomatic and administrative dimensions of the national celebration.
Members 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.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is also on the committee alongside the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Security agencies are represented by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; and Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya.
The 66th anniversary marks 66 years since Nigeria attained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
Unlike a large-scale national spectacle, this year’s programme places emphasis on reflection, religious observances, a public lecture and the President’s address.
The arrangement also gives the Federal Government a platform to highlight its record in office while acknowledging the economic and social pressures facing Nigerians.
The anniversary will culminate in Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1, when the President is expected to address citizens as Nigeria marks another year of self-government.
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