Independence: Buhari working for better livelihoods for Nigerians – SGF

* rolls out anniversary activities

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha, has assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari remains committed to ensure better livelihoods for all the citizens of the country.

He said this on Monday in Abuja, at a news conference to formally roll out activities to mark the nation’s 59th Independence Anniversary celebration.

According to him, the struggle for Nigeria’s independence from its inception was not an easy one as it was as a result of intellectual prowess, patriotic zeal, as well as love of country that enabled our forebears to succeed in their struggle.

The SGF represented by the Permanent Secretary, Economy and Political Affairs Office, OSGF, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, said Nigeria’s leaders since then have made varied contributions to building our nation state.

“Above all, efforts have been made to ensure that the country remains united despite diverse challenges, which are not un-expected in a multicultural society such as ours.

“Independence Day for us is a joyous occasion, but also a sobering one because we are beset with a lot of developmental challenges looking at how far we have come.

“Ideally, we should be far ahead of where we are right now as a people, but nevertheless President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not sitting on its oars but working to ensure better livelihoods for the Nigerian people,” he said.

He assured that Mr. President remains committed to bequeath a long-lasting legacy of improved infrastructural facilities and a better economy across the length and breadth of the country.

According to the time table of activities for the programme, there would be a Juma’at prayer and special lecture on Friday, September 27 at the National Mosque, Abuja by 10am.

He said there would be an interdenominational Christian service on Sunday, September 29 at National Christian Centre by 3:00pm.

Also, there will an Independence media broadcast by President Buhari, by 7am; Presidential change of guards and Independence dinner and gala night on Tuesday, October 1 at the State House.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Grace Gekpe, said Nigeria had gone far as a nation at 59th celebration.

She said, “God has kept us for this 59th years and it is our belief that we will wax stronger even as we move on to the next level.

“It is a good thing that we have clocked 59th years old; we`ve gone far as a nation and God has been so faithful to us. And it is our belief that a lot of things will happen in this anniversary celebration; there will be a lot of policies and programmes that will be implemented effectively beyond this 59th anniversary.”