FG plans low-key celebration for 66th Independence Day

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

This was disclosed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH on Friday.

According to the statement, the Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for organising the event 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 occasion would afford Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’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.

The SGF said the country’s achievements since 1960 were built on the foundation laid by the nationalists, adding that the occasion would allow the administration to showcase its reforms and achievements amid current socio-economic challenges.

He stressed that the activities would be low-key, urging members of the committee to work with urgency given the short timeframe 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 the President’s nationwide broadcast will take place on October 1.

The committee comprises 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.

Other members include 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 panel alongside other senior government officials.