FG unveils low-key plans for Independence Day

The Federal Government has approved a low-key programme to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed this on Friday following the inauguration of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the anniversary activities in Abuja.

The committee, chaired by the SGF, George Akume, is responsible for planning and executing the approved activities ahead of the October 1 anniversary.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of 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,” he said.

Akume said the country’s progress since independence was built on the foundation laid by the nationalists.

He added that the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to highlight its reforms and achievements against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The SGF directed members of the committee to work with urgency, given the limited time remaining before the anniversary, while stressing that the celebrations would be conducted 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.

An Interdenominational Church Service is scheduled for September 27, while an Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on September 30.

The programme will culminate in Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast 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; Commander, Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya; and other senior government officials are also members of the committee.

The committee is expected to coordinate the anniversary programme, work with relevant organisations and individuals, document the activities and undertake other assignments necessary for the successful commemoration.