President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on October 1 as the Federal Government marks the country’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The Federal Government said the anniversary activities would be held on a low-key basis, with the programme expected to begin on September 24.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation after the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the celebration in Abuja.
The committee is headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, Akume said the anniversary should provide an opportunity to honour the people who contributed to Nigeria’s independence.
He said, “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.”
The SGF said the progress recorded by the country since gaining independence in 1960 was built on the efforts of the nation’s early nationalists.
He added that the anniversary would also provide an avenue for the administration to highlight its achievements and ongoing reforms while acknowledging the socio-economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
According to him, the activities would be conducted on a “low-key” basis.
Akume consequently directed members of the committee to commence preparations immediately, noting that there was limited time before the October 1 anniversary.
The programme will commence with a World Press Conference on September 24, while a Juma’at Service is scheduled for September 25.
A Church Service will follow on September 27, with an Independence Day Public Lecture billed for September 30.
The celebrations will culminate in President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.
Members of the organising committee include the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; FCT, Nyesom Wike; and Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Also on the committee are the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala 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; Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, and other senior officials are also members.
The committee is responsible for coordinating the approved activities, involving relevant organisations and individuals, documenting the events and carrying out other duties required for the anniversary programme.
