President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1 as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, with the Federal Government planning a low-key celebration.
The announcement followed the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee in Abuja to coordinate activities for the anniversary.
The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and legacies of the country’s founding fathers and heroines who worked for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule.
He added that Nigeria’s achievements since independence were built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists.
According to him, the celebration would also provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and ongoing reform initiatives amid the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
However, Akume directed that this year’s activities should remain low-key and urged members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time before October 1.
The 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 the activities will culminate in Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises senior government officials, including the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Other members include 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 of the committee.
The committee is responsible for planning and executing the approved anniversary activities, documenting the proceedings and involving relevant organisations and individuals where necessary.
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