Nigeria’s 66th Independence Celebration To Be Low-Key…as FG Inaugurates Committee

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with this year’s celebration scheduled to be held on a low-key basis.

The committee was inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines.

Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the progress recorded by Nigeria since independence was built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960, while also using the anniversary to acknowledge the challenges confronting the country and efforts by the present administration to reposition the economy through its reform initiatives.

The SGF directed members of the committee to work with urgency, given the limited time remaining before the October 1 anniversary.

According to him, activities for the celebration will begin 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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1.

The committee is chaired by the SGF and comprises key ministers, including 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; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Other members include the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The committee also includes senior government officials and security chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya.

The SGF said the committee’s terms of reference include planning and executing approved activities for the anniversary, co-opting relevant individuals or organisations, documenting the programmes for posterity and carrying out other assignments necessary for the successful implementation of the celebration.