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

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

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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 programme in Abuja.

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

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

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He said, “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.”

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The SGF said Nigeria’s achievements since 1960 were built on the foundation laid by the nationalists, adding that the occasion would also allow the administration to showcase its achievements and ongoing reform initiatives.

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He noted that this would be done against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

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Akume said activities would be “low-key”, urging members of the committee to work with urgency given the limited time before October 1.

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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.

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An Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for September 30, while Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast will hold on October 1.

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The committee includes 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.

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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.

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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.

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

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