Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu is to address the nation on Independence Day, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume on Monday.
Nigeria will celebrate her 63rd Independence Anniversary on Sunday, October1, 2023.
Akume at a news conference in Abuja to unveil activities planned for the celebration, said the nation has a cause to celebrate, as the country had witnessed an unbroken democratic record since 1999 as well as the seamless, successful and peaceful Presidential Transition programme from one government to another.
He 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.
Akume said democracy affords the citizens the opportunity through elective structures and processes to effectively participate in the affairs of their country.
According to him, the government is 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 stated that the government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives to mitigate such challenges and also the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation among others.
“At the same time, the government is engaging with Labour to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
“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. The theme of the anniversary is “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity,” he said.
Akume said programmes lined up for the celebraton included “World Press Conference on Monday, 26th September at the National Press Center, Radio House Abuja at 11:00a, Anniversary Symposium/Public Lecture, Thursday, 28th September 2023 at State hHouseConference 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 and Military Parade on Monday, 2nd October, 2023 at the Presidential Villa, at 99:00 am.”
