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Tag: Nigeria @63

  • Nigeria @63: Tinubu leads dignitaries, diplomats to mark anniversary 

    Nigeria @63: Tinubu leads dignitaries, diplomats to mark anniversary 

    President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, October 1, led an array of national and foreign dignitaries to observe a low-key, but colourful, 63rd Nigerian Independence Anniversary at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The event, which officially took off from 10am, was a mix of various activities, including symbolic role playing by the military and entertainment performances by both the military and civilian troupes.

    The Special Guest of Honour and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Tinubu, was heralded into the Forecourt, the venue of the event, at exactly 10:15am by a 14-man Scots-dressed Presidential Pipers.

    He immediately took the national salute after which he inspected the abridged guards on parade mounted by the members of the nation’s armed forces.

    The high point of the event saw President Tinubu, who was adorned in a traditional agbada in the national colours of green and white, conducting some ceremonial tasks such as signing the anniversary register, cutting the cake, and releasing white pigeons into the open air.

    Read Also: Soludo prays for Tinubu’s success, honours Achebe in Anambra

    Another significant event of the day was the ceremonial Change of Guards, which is regarded as a symbolism of the hand over of state’s control from the colonial British authorities, to indigenous Nigerian rule.

    Other high profile participants at the ceremony were Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola; ministers, National Assembly members among others. 

    There were also numerous diplomats from various countries, including those of the United Kingdom (UK), Morocco, India, Turkey, Burundi, Ireland, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Argentina, Poland, South Africa, and Kenya.

    The ceremony in Aso Villa was the first independence day celebration under the leadership of President Tinubu. 

    The occasion in the forecourt replaced the regular full military parade, drills and other sundry entertainments which used to hold at the popular Eagle Square in Abuja.

    Since 1st of October, 2010 when the anniversary celebration was disrupted by bomb blasts at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, marked all subsequent anniversaries under his administration in the Forecourt at the Presidential Villa. 

    However, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration broke the jinx by marking the 58th Independence Anniversary at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

  • Nigeria @63: We are on the path of progress, says Akeredolu

    Nigeria @63: We are on the path of progress, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said that the country was on the path of progress under President Bola Tinubu.

    Governor Akeredolu, who called on Nigerians to unite with the country’s leadership in the task of rebuilding the nation towards peace, progress, and development said the 63rd independence anniversary was the time for Nigerians to demonstrate their dedication to national development and nation-building.

    The Ondo Governor, in a his independence message, said the country must purposefully leverage the nation’s diversity as the strength for growth and development.

    He expressed confidence that the country would overcome the current socio-economic difficulties to emerge more prosperous and stronger.

    The governor said challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy should not erode the nation’s collective trust but to reinforce the people’s belief in Nigeria’s promising future.

    Read Also: Impeachment: Don’t make Aiyedatiwa ‘a scapegoat’, Abuja lawyer begs Akeredolu

    He expressed absolute confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and assured Nigerians of the country’s progress under Tinubu’s administration.

    Akeredolu appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of tribal affiliations, to unite in the task of rebuilding Nigeria. He affirmed that it is through these collective efforts that the nation can realise its maximum potential.

    He said: “Despite today’s challenges, our hope and trust must remain unshaken. Our journey towards a prosperous and secure future has just begun. We must continually interrogate every issue that hinders the development and greatness of our beloved nation.

    “We will persist in our efforts to foster true federalism. We must be dedicated to addressing the root causes of our national issues. The welfare of our people should accelerate our resolve for development.

    “As we celebrate Independence Day, I congratulate all Nigerians. I urge us to remain steadfast in our faith in a better and prosperous Nigeria.”

  • Nigeria @63: Sanwo-Olu seeks support for Tinubu, leaders

    Nigeria @63: Sanwo-Olu seeks support for Tinubu, leaders

    Lagos State canceled the usual march parade and other activities to mark the 63rd independence anniversary.

    A statement by the commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, reads: “There will elaborate celebration. This is in line with the economic challenges of the times. The usual parades and other elements of the celebration are being shelved. Prayers have been held in mosques and churches to mark the anniversary. 

    Read Also: Nigeria @63: Dafinone preaches unity, solicits support for Tinubu

    “The governor enjoins Lagosians to celebrate modestly, even as they continue to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria and our dear state.” 

    Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, governors, and other leaders in their efforts to birth a new, prosperous Nigeria.

    The governor also implored Nigerians to continue to live together in love, unity and peace, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. He stressed that citizens’ support and encouragement are key for a better and prosperous Nigeria.

  • Nigeria @63: Gbolagade calls for more perseverance, support for Tinubu

    Nigeria @63: Gbolagade calls for more perseverance, support for Tinubu

    Mogaji Olubadan, Lato Compound, Labo, Ibadan, Abiodun Gbolagade has congratulated Nigerians on the 63rd Independence Anniversary.

    He said though the nation continues to face many challenges, Nigerians should remain resolute and join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to overcome the challenges and build a desired virile nation.

    Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Gbolagade, who was a former aide to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, described independence day as one that remained significant because of the giant strides attained since Nigeria gained independence and became a sovereign Nation.

    He stated that Nigeria post independence has been with various ups and downs there are still reasons for the nation to be thankful to God for blessings and benevolence.

    Read Also: Nigeria @63: Dafinone preaches unity, solicits support for Tinubu

    He attributed many of the problems confronting the nation now to long-term decisions of previous government and not that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

    The former Special Adviser on housing to late Ajimobi however called on Tinubu to remember his promises to Nigerians and make them happy.

    He congratulated Tinubu, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, residents of Oluyole Federal Constituency and all Nigerians on the anniversary.

    He however called on relevant government agencies to continue to collaborate and work together in tackling the Nation’s insecurity and developmental challenges.