FG PLANS LOW-KEY 66TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY AS TINUBU SET TO ADDRESS NATION

The Federal Government has announced plans for a low-key commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1.

The programme is being coordinated by an Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The committee is headed by the SGF, George Akume, who said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the country’s founding nationalists.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, said the occasion would also highlight the progress recorded by the country since independence.

According to him, Nigeria’s development has been shaped by the foundation laid by those who fought for the country’s independence from colonial rule.

He added that the anniversary would provide an avenue for the Federal Government to present its reforms and achievements while acknowledging the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

Akume directed members of the committee to work with urgency, noting that the limited timeframe before October 1 required effective coordination.

The anniversary activities will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25.

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

The programme will culminate on October 1 with President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast to mark the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

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.

Also on the committee are 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, alongside other senior government officials.