Tinubu to address Nigerians October 1 as FG plans low-key Independence celebration

President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians on October 1 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, with the Federal Government planning a low-key celebration.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed this in a statement on Thursday following the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for organising the anniversary programme in Abuja.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence

Represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.

He said Nigeria’s achievements since gaining independence in 1960 were built on the foundation laid by the nationalists who worked for the country’s independence from colonial rule.

According to him, the anniversary would also provide an avenue for the administration to showcase its achievements and ongoing reform initiatives.

Akume noted that the celebrations would take place against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

Low-key activities scheduled

The SGF said the activities planned for the 66th Independence Anniversary would be low-key, while urging members of the organising committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1.

The programme will commence with a World Press Conference on September 24.

A Juma’at Service will follow on September 25, while a Church Service is scheduled for September 27.

An Independence Day Public Lecture is expected to take place on September 30, ahead of the President’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.

Committee members

The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes 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.

Also on the committee 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.

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 are also members.

The committee has been mandated to plan and execute the approved anniversary activities, co-opt relevant organisations and individuals, document the proceedings and undertake other assignments considered necessary for the programme.

Tinubu’s October 1 broadcast will form the major national engagement of the anniversary, as the Federal Government marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence with a programme it has described as low-key.