Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations have been scaled down this year, with a more subdued and low-key approach.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that this decision was made by President Bola Tinubu, who cited the current economic challenges facing the nation.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, announced this decision during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
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Akume stated that Tinubu wants to “remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
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He added that the celebrations will still include a World Press Conference, Special Juma’at Prayer, Inter-denominational Church Service, Presidential Broadcast, and a 64th Independence Anniversary Parade.
He, however, revealed that the usual grand festivities associated with the national holiday will be omitted.
The SGF acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians, particularly in the wake of recent policy decisions.
He stressed several government initiatives to mitigate the challenges, including the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to ease transportation costs and efforts to strengthen support for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).