66th Independence: FG Cuts Back Celebrations, Tinubu to Speak to Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians on October 1 as the Federal Government prepares a low-key programme to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Federal Government inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Thursday to coordinate activities for the anniversary, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, serving as chairman.

The anniversary programme is expected to focus more on reflection and national commemoration than a large-scale celebration.

Akume said the occasion would provide an opportunity to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and legacies of the country’s founding fathers and heroines who fought for independence from colonial rule.

The programme is scheduled to begin with activities ahead of October 1 and will culminate in the President’s nationwide broadcast.

Tinubu’s address will give the President an opportunity to speak directly to Nigerians on the state of the country as the nation enters its 67th year as an independent country.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the decision to keep the celebration low-key comes as the government prepares a more restrained national commemoration rather than a large public spectacle.

The anniversary remains one of Nigeria’s most significant annual national occasions, marking the country’s independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

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The Federal Government has urged the committee to work within the available time to deliver the approved programme.

For Nigerians, the main focus on October 1 will therefore be the President’s message and the issues he chooses to place at the centre of his Independence Day address, ValidViewNetwork reports.