The Independence Day Celebration is once again and many Nigerians cannot wait to celebrate their motherland as she clocks 64 years of independence.
Nigeria, which achieved independence from British rule in 1960, is set to mark its 64th Independence Day on October 1.
As expected, the build-up to this historic day has been one filled with drama, with talks of a massive protest littered all over the internet.
Despite the public outcry by Nigerians over the continued hardship and hunger ravaging the country, the Federal Government is certain to celebrate.
As we speak, the government has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Independence Day celebration.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee
In line with the celebration, a statement was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, on Thursday.
Akume spoke during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
The committee was inaugurated on Thursday, September 19, by Hadiza Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
That is the committee tasked with overseeing the 2024 Independence Day Celebration.
The committee will plan, organise, and execute all sanctioned activities to honour the nation’s independence.
Independence Day Celebration
Via this statement, the Federal Governamment detailed that the 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will kick off with a World Press Conference.
That conference is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024.
However, this year’s celebration will not be extravagant.
According to Akume, this reflects the current challenging circumstances the country faces.
Akume, who is the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, noted that the 64th Independence Anniversary will be observed in a subdued manner to mirror the difficult times the nation is experiencing.
He stated that the event will allow the government to present its achievements during its brief tenure.
“Juma’at Service on Friday, September 27, 2024; Church Service on Sunday, September 29, 2024; on Monday, September 30, 2024; while the Presidential Broadcast and 64th Independence Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024,” Akume added.
Committee Members
The Independence Day Committee comprises of several key officials, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Others are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the Senior Special Assistant to the President for Social Events, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Also Read: Nigeria@63: Major Highlights Of President Tinubu’s First Independence Day Speech
Additionally, the committee includes the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, and the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation).
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation) are also part of the committee.
“The Terms of Reference for the Inter-Ministerial Committee is to plan, organise, and execute all approved activities befitting the Independence Day Celebration on October 1, 2024.
They will Co-opt any organization(s)/ person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programme.
The committee will document for posterity, all planned activities for the Anniversary.
Lastly, they will carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the Celebration,” the statement added.
