President Bola Tinubu is set to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, with the Federal Government opting for a scaled-back series of events.
The timetable commences on 24 September with a World Press Conference, followed by a Juma’at service on 25 September and a church service on 27 September. A public lecture will take place on 30 September, leading up to the president’s address on 1 October.
Arrangements were unveiled in Abuja following the inauguration of an inter-ministerial planning committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Speaking through Bekearedebo Warrens, Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs, Akume urged members to act swiftly given the tight deadlines and noted that the occasion serves as a moment to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding figures. He added that the anniversary would also highlight the government’s developmental milestones and ongoing structural reforms amidst current socio-economic headwinds.
Tasked with executing the approved itinerary, the committee incorporates high-ranking security chiefs and key cabinet members, including the Ministers of Finance, Information, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Budget, and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside top presidential aides.