63rd Independence: FG Plans Low Key Celebration

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has adduced reasons why it is opting for a low key celebration to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.

Six days to the celebration, it has unveiled the programme of events for the  Anniversary celebration, themed “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, led the unveiling event of the programmes in Abuja on Monday.

He emphasized that due to the current economic realities, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned a modest celebration this year.

Akume, however, assured Nigerians that the Government is working with relevant stakeholders, including the organized labour to bring succour to all citizens.

Speaking on the programme lined out for the 63rd Independence Day Anniversary, Akume said the events started with the world press conference, a national broadcast by President Tinubu on Sunday, October 1.

“As you are aware, the president has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key in line with the present economic realities. The theme of the anniversary is “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for unity and prosperity.

“In view of the above, the following programmes have been lined up to mark the celebration: World Press Conference on Monday, 26th September at the National Press Center, Radio House Abuja at 11:00 am.

“Anniversary Symposium/Public Lecture, Thursday, 28th September 2023 at State House Conference Center @ 10 am.

“Lecture on Friday, 29th September 2023 National Mosque Conference Center at 10:00 am and Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1:00 pm.

“Presidential Broadcast, Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at 7:00 am. Inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at the National Christian Center at 10:00 am. Military Parade on Monday, 2nd October, 2023 at the Presidential Villa, at 9:00 am.”

On the economic situation in the country, the SGF said the Tinubu administration is aware of its effects on the citizens, pointing out that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda is tailored to straighten out the situation.

“The government is fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.

“The government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives so as to mitigate such challenges and also the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation among others.

“At the same time, the government is engaging with Labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.

“It is for this reason that this government, led by His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will improve food security; guarantee end to poverty; improve security; economic growth and job creation; access to capital; improve the playing field on which people, and particularly companies, operate; respect for the rule of law; and fight against corruption.”

Highlighting the importance of this year’s celebration, Akume said: “It is particularly important at this time having witnessed an unbroken democratic record since 1999 as well as the seamless, successful, and peaceful Presidential Transition programme from one government to another. Therefore, this calls for celebration and we are thankful to God and Nigerians for making this possible.

“Despite political tremors and a wave of coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region, Nigerians have fully embraced democracy with its core values and practices as the best form of governance.

“Democracy affords the citizens the opportunity, through elective structures and processes, to effectively participate in the affairs of their country.

“The relationship between the people and government in a representative democracy is symbiotic: while the citizens support the government, the government provides security, protects, and enhances their interests.”