Oct. 1: FG orders low-key anniversary, cites national hardship
27 September 2024 |
6:03 am
Federal Government has ordered that Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration should be low-key in reflection of the widespread hardship in the country.
Federal Government has ordered that Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration should be low-key in reflection of the widespread hardship in the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, disclosed this, yesterday, at a World Press Conference by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Abuja.
The theme for this year’s independence anniversary, according to him, is: ‘Reflecting on the past, inspiring the future’.
“The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has said it should be low-key,” Akume said, citing the plight of Nigerians for the reserved celebration.
“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”
Akume attributed the economic challenges to “unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that the administration had to make”. He, however, said that notwithstanding the daunting challenges, efforts were 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.
Akume noted the policies and programmes were being implemented for long-term solutions to the problems, saying that in no distant time, the country’s socio-economic development would improve.
“The President has also given priority to the growth of the economy through the SMEs. By so doing, he has re-focused on strengthening the backbone of our economy by empowering Nigerians to start or grow their businesses,” he added.
In the area of human capital development, Akume said the Nigerian Students Loan Fund had disbursed N2.5 billion to over 22,120 beneficiaries across higher institutions in the nation, saying it was a welcome relief for parents and an opportunity to access education by indigent students.
The SGF noted that one of the major challenges facing Nigerians was rising food prices, explaining that to bolster food security, and availability and ensure affordability of food, the government had removed tariffs on the importation of certain categories of food.
He said the government had shown its resolve in completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones in key sectors. Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria had 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.
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