…To mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary October 1st
By Frank Momoh
The Federal Government on Wednesday declared Friday, October 1, as public holiday to mark the nation’s 61st independence anniversary celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates all Nigerians on this year’s celebration of the country’s 61st independence and assures of government’s commitment to tackle and eradicate all forms of political and socio-economic challenges.
Dr Shuaib Before, the Permanent Secretary, who signed the statement on behalf of the Minister said that our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land, makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope, if we can rally ourselves together to harness our potentials.
He said a country of over 200 million and above people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are, stressing that Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in academia, business, innovation, music, movie, entertainment, fashion and culture.
We are indeed the leading black nation in the entire world and no doubt Africa’s pride and beacon of hope, Aregbesola said.
The Minister confirmed that, celebrating Nigeria’s 61st anniversary is necessary, but that the safety of the citizenry is President Muhammadu Buhari’s huge concern, especially with COVID-19 third Delta variance still in place.
Therefore, this year’s celebration is being held without the usual pomp and pageantry, the Minister added.
While wishing Nigerians a fruitful independence celebration, he reminded them of the fact that our founding fathers, in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue came together for Nigeria’s independence.
He therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the present administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and abroad as this, he said, shall be a befitting tribute to the struggles of our hero’s past.