The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared that the forthcoming Independence Day celebration, scheduled for October 1, 2023, will be observed in a low-key manner, deviating from the traditional grandeur typically associated with the occasion.
Every year, Nigeria marks its Independence Day on October 1st, commemorating the nation’s liberation from colonial rule. However, this year’s event will forgo the customary pomp and ceremony at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing held in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. Mr. Akume conveyed the government’s decision following a confidential meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In his address to State House correspondents, SGF George Akume underscored the significance of this year’s Independence Day celebration, stating that it should serve as a time for profound reflection and contemplation on the path ahead for Nigeria.
“This year’s Independence Day celebration will be a moment for reflection—a time for all Nigerians to contemplate deeply on our journey as a nation,” remarked SGF Akume. “The course we are charting is being steered by the captain of our ship. Independence is a profoundly historic event for any country, and Nigeria is no exception.”
“This journey is being charted by the captain of the ship. Independence is a very historic event for any country and we Nigerians are no exceptions.
“We are fully prepared for celebrations and for obvious reasons, it is going to be low-key and we are wishing Nigerians the best of luck and I want to assure them that better days are coming and pretty soon too.
“This is going to be low key; we are not going on a fantastic jamboree at the Eagle Square and other locations,” the SGF said.
The announcement of a low-key Independence Day celebration comes as Nigeria faces numerous challenges and endeavors to navigate a path toward sustainable development and prosperity. The decision to scale down the festivities reflects a commitment to focusing on more pressing national issues while still marking this important milestone in the country’s history.
As Nigerians prepare to celebrate their nation’s 63rd Independence Day, the call for unity, progress, and a brighter future remains at the forefront of the national discourse.
