25th September, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu is to address Nigerians on Sunday, 1 October, 2023 to mark the nation’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
The president has also ordered low-key celebration in view of the present economic realities, says George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) at a news conference in Abuja to roll out activities to mark the anniversary.
According to Akume, the celebration is 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.
“Therefore, this calls for celebration and we are thankful to God and Nigerians for making this possible. Despite political tremors and a wave of coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region, Nigerians have fully embraced democracy with its core values and practices as the best form of governance.
“Democracy affords 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,” he said.
Akume added that 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.
“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.
“It is for this reason that this government led by His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, 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.
“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 stated.
Akume outlined programmes lined up for the celebration to include Anniversary Symposium/Public Lecture, Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque, Presidential Broadcast, Sunday, 1st October, Inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at the National Christian Center and Military Parade on Monday, 2nd October, 2023 at the Presidential Villa.