Tinubu approves lowkey celebration to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence

The Federal Government has announced that the 64th independence anniversary celebrations will be on a low key to reflect the mood of the nation.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced this during a world press conference.

He highlighted the activities lined up for the Independence Day celebration, in Abuja on Thursday, saying the low-key celebration was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The theme of this year’s independence anniversary is: Reflecting on the past, inspiring the future.

He said this administration recognises that Nigeria as a nation is currently grappling with diverse challenges, but added that the administration was committed to working assiduously to deliver the dividends of democracy.

According to him, “This government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economic conditions we are passing through. These have been occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that his administration has had to make.

“Notwithstanding the daunting challenges, ceaseless efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long term basis, through diligent implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He enumerated some of the steps the government has so far taken to cushion the effect of the harsh economic condition arising from some of the economic reform policies of the government, the distribution of CNG conversion kits at no cost to Nigerians, the repositioning of the National Social Investment Programme to effectively address the challenges facing the poor, the vulnerable, underserved and the elderly, as well as the approval of the new minimum wage for workers and the Nigerian Students Loan Fund, which he said has disbursed the sum of N2.5 billion to over 22,120 beneficiaries across higher institutions in the nation.

Earlier in his welcome address, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria has evolved from a nation of hope and potential into a leading force on the African continent and a respected voice in the global community.

“We have faced numerous trials, from political upheavals to economic challenges, but each time, we have risen stronger through our shared unwavering vision of a united and prosperous country,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to support the present administration as it works to ensure more sustainable economic growth.

Part of the activities lined up for the 64th Independence anniversary are Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, on September 27, 2024; an interdenominational service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on September 29, 2024, and the National broadcast by the President on October 1, 2024.

The pre-independence press briefing was attended by Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; that of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi; as well as that of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.