President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1 as Nigeria commemorates 66 years of independence, with the Federal Government choosing a low-key approach to this year’s anniversary.
The programme was announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation after the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the celebrations in Abuja.
The committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has been tasked with organising the approved activities and ensuring their smooth execution.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, Akume said the anniversary should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey and remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for 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.”
Akume said the country’s achievements since 1960 could be traced to the foundation laid by the nationalists who secured independence from colonial rule.
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He added that the anniversary would also be used to showcase the achievements of the present administration and highlight its ongoing reform programmes, even as the country continues to contend with socio-economic challenges.
The SGF described the planned activities as “low-key” and called on members of the organising committee to begin work immediately, citing the limited period available before October 1.
The official programme will open with a World Press Conference on September 24.
This will be 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, setting the stage for Tinubu’s nationwide address the following day.
The organising committee brings together key members of the Federal Executive Council and senior government officials.
Those listed include Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris; Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
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 are also members.
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 part of the committee.
Beyond coordinating the anniversary events, the committee is expected to involve relevant organisations and individuals, keep records of the proceedings and carry out other assignments necessary for the successful observance of the 66th Independence Anniversary.