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By Tayo ABIOLA
In commemoration of the nation’s 63rd independence celebration, the Federal Government has declared Monday, Oct. 2 as public holiday.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulating all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
Tunj-Ojo assured Nigerians of Government continued commitment to tackling challenges facing the country.
“It is today a known fact that difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated.”
But, the minister said that the Government was really making efforts to confront these varied and numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes.
He reiterated that the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country was achievable if we all work together in unity.
“Our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world.
This, he said, being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the ‘Renewed Hope’ of President Bola Tinubu.
While wishing the citizens a memorable independence celebration, the minister recalled that our founding fathers, in spite the differences in faith, tribe, tongue, came together for Nigeria’s freedom which we all enjoy today.
The minister assured that the present administration through the ‘Renew Hope’ agenda would ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past.
A lecture will hold on Friday at the National Mosque Conference Centre at 10:00am, followed by Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1:00 pm
President Bola Tinubu is also expected to address the nation on Sunday at 7:00 am
Inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at the National Christian Centre will hold at 10:00am
There will also be military parade on Oct. 2 at the Presidential Villa, at 9:00am.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Government in a statement released by the Secretary to the government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi on Tuesday, cancelled all activities slated for the celebration in tune with the mood of the nation.
The statement reads: “Following the directive of the Federal Government that this year’s Independence Day Celebration should be low-key, the Ogun State Government has cancelled all arrangements in respect of the anniversary on October 1st, 2023.
The decision by the federal government is to reflect the mood of the nation. The state government enjoins citizens of the state to spend the time solemnly praying for the country.
“It is the strong belief of the government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun that the supplications of the people at this crucial time will be answered by God.
“We seek the understanding and cooperation of all and sundry as we observe a low-key independence anniversary this year, believing that better times lie ahead of us as a people.”
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