President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
By Miriam Humbe
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume on Monday said that Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary would be marked low key.
Senator Akume said this at the World Press Conference in Abuja as part of activities to commemorate the day.
Akume said: “As you are aware, the President has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key in line with the present economic realities.”
Traditionally, Nigeria marks her independence day anniversary on October 1 every year.
The SGF said that the celebration was particularly important at this time having witnessed an unbroken democratic record since 1999 as well as the seamless, successful and peaceful Presidential Transition programme from one government to another.
He this called for celebration and thanks to God and Nigerians for making this possible.
The SGF said despite political tremors and a wave of coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region, Nigerians had fully embraced democracy with its core values and practices as the best form of governance.
He said democracy afforded the citizens the opportunity through elective structures and processes to effectively participate in the affairs of their country.
The relationship between the people and government in representative democracy is symbiotic: while the citizens support the government, the government provides security, protects, and enhances their interests.
Akume said the government was fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.
He said that government was working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives such as buses to mitigate such challenges and ease hardship on transportation among others.
The SGF said: “At the same time, the government is engaging with Labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
“It is for this reason that this government led by His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda which will improve food security; guarantee end to poverty; improve security; economic growth and job creation; access to capital; improve the playing field on which people and particularly companies operate; respect for the rule of law; and fight against corruption.
“The theme of the anniversary is “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity.
“In view of the above, the following programmes have been lined up to mark the celebration:
*World Press Conference on Monday, 25th September at the National Press Center, Radio House Abuja at 11:00a,
*Anniversary Symposium/Public Lecture, Thursday, 28th September, 2023 at State house Conference Center @ 10 am
*Lecture on Friday, 29th September 2023 National Mosque Conference Center at 10:00 am
And
Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1:00 pm
*Presidential Broadcast, Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at 7:00 am
*Inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at the National Christian Center at 10:00 am
*Military Parade on Monday, 2nd October, 2023 at the Presidential Villa, at 9:00am.”
He called on the media professionals and patriots to support the Tinubu administration by building workable partnership in order to transform the country.
He also urged them to publicise activities lined up to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
