President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians on October 1 as part of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the Federal Government planning a low-key celebration.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday following the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the anniversary programme in Abuja.
The committee is chaired by the SGF, George Akume.
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.
“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,” he said.
The SGF said Nigeria’s achievements since independence were built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists. He added that the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the administration to highlight its achievements and ongoing reform initiatives against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Akume said the anniversary activities would be “low-key” and urged members of the committee to work with urgency given the limited time before October 1.
Programme of events
The anniversary programme 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 Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast will be held on October 1.
Committee members
The 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.
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.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya; and other senior government officials are also members of the committee.
The committee is mandated to plan and execute the approved activities, co-opt relevant organisations and individuals, document the proceedings and undertake any other assignments necessary for the successful implementation of the anniversary programme.
