By Chidi Ugwu
Federal Government on Thursday announced a low-key celebration for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary over the prevailing daunting economic challenges.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made the announcement during a press conference organized by the Ministry of Information to unveil programme of events lined up to mark the independence anniversary.
Independent reports that the Federal Government decision reflects the nation’s current economic challenges and aims to emphasize unity and resilience.
Akume, however highlighted recent government initiatives, including the establishment of the Presidential CNG Initiative to ease transportation costs and the National Social Investment Programme to support vulnerable populations.
“In alignment with the mood of the nation, therefore, I wish to inform you that the President, Commander – in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved that the 64th Independence celebration should be low-keyed. It is in this context that the program of events have been designed to remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda” he said.
The celebration will feature a series of events, starting with a Juma’at service on September 27, culminating in a national address and parade on October.
Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted Nigeria’s resilience since independence in 1960, noting the country’s evolution into a leading African power despite challenges.
Idris emphasized President Tinubu’s transformative policies aimed at economic recovery, including local government autonomy and energy transition initiatives.
He acknowledged the patience of Nigerians during tough times and underscored the importance of unity and progress as the nation prepares to celebrate its independence on October 1, 2024
“Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we have initiated transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting the missteps of the past and repositioning Nigeria as an economic superpower in the near future. Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth.
“In addition, a lot of work is going towards ensuring macroeconomic stability, stabilizing the foreign exchange regime, reforming the tax system to make it more efficient, and less burdensome on Nigerians, repositioning our oil and gas sector to attract new investment, and prioritizing the diversification and expansion of government revenues.
“In multiple ways the President is focused on putting more money in the pockets of the Nigerian people, and creating avenues for sustainable prosperity.
“The charter will bolster the conviction that the things that unite—our sense of nationhood, our obligations to our country, and its obligations to us—will always be stronger and deeper than what may wish to divide us,” he said.
The programme was attended by the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Works, Senator Dave Umahi; Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev; Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Tourism, Lola Ade-John, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo among other top government functionaries and presidential aides.
