The Federal Government has announced plans for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu expected to address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and made available to Saturday PUNCH on Friday.
The Federal Government has also constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the anniversary in Abuja, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, serving as chairman.
Speaking after the committee’s 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 remember the sacrifices made by the country’s founding leaders.
“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 added that Nigeria’s progress since gaining independence in 1960 had been built on the foundation established by the country’s nationalists.
According to him, the anniversary would also provide an avenue for the Federal Government to highlight its reforms and achievements despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Akume urged members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1, stressing that the anniversary activities would be held on a low-key basis.
The programme will begin 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 will hold on September 30, while the President’s nationwide broadcast is scheduled for October 1.
Members of the 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.
