Oct 1: FG admits hardship, plans low-key independence celebrations

In the face of current economic realities and the widespread hardship Nigerians are facing, the Federal Government has disclosed that it has no plans for an elaborate celebration of the country’s 64th Independence anniversary.
Making the announcement during the inauguration of an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the activities on Thursday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, stated that the decision to make the celebrations low-key was taken in consideration of the ongoing economic downturn and in empathy with hard-suffering Nigerians.
The committee will oversee the planning and execution of approved events to commemorate the epochal day.
In a statement, Director of Information at the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen quoted the minister as saying, “The 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will be low-keyed to reflect the trying times the nation is undergoing.”
Akume, who was represented by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, also noted that the event would provide the government with an opportunity to showcase its achievements and reform initiatives aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy.
According to the Information Director, the celebrations will kick off with a World Press Conference on September 26, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 27, a Church Service on September 29, and will culminate in the Presidential Broadcast and Independence Day Parade on October 1.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes key officials such as the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Information and National Orientation, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and the Federal Capital Territory, along with the Inspector-General of Police and other security representatives.
The committee’s tasks involve planning and executing all activities for the Independence Day celebration, co-opting relevant organizations for support, documenting events for posterity, and completing any additional assignments necessary for a successful celebration.