66th Independence: Tinubu to Address Nigerians as FG Plans Low-Key Celebration

President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on October 1 as part of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Federal Government has announced that the anniversary celebrations will be held on a low-key basis, with activities scheduled to begin on September 24.
The development was disclosed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) following the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 66th Independence Anniversary in Abuja.

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

Akume, who was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, said the occasion should also serve as a period of reflection on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960.

He noted that the progress recorded by the country over the decades was built on the sacrifices and contributions of early nationalists who worked to secure Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule.

According to him, “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 added that the anniversary would allow the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and ongoing reforms while acknowledging the socio-economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

He said the activities had been deliberately designed to remain “low-key” and urged members of the committee to begin preparations immediately due to the limited time before October 1.

The programme will commence with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25 and a Church Service on September 27.

An Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for September 30, while the main anniversary activity on October 1 will feature President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises members of the Federal Executive Council and other senior government officials.

Members 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 Bala 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; Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya; and other senior government officials.

The committee is responsible for coordinating and implementing the approved anniversary activities and may invite other organisations and individuals to participate where necessary.

It is also expected to document the anniversary events and undertake other responsibilities required for the successful coordination of the programme.