The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, October 1, as public holiday to mark the country’s 60th Independence anniversary.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Georgina Ekeoma Ehuriah, on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s independence edifice withers as years take toll
Independence anniversary celebration to last one year – FG
He congratulated all Nigerians on the celebration of the country’s Diamond Jubilee and assured them of government’s unwavering commitment to the socio-economic transformation of the country.
He 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.
“A country of about 200 million people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are.
“Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in academic, 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.”
The Minister said further that the celebration would be low key following the global COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced all nations in the world to think and act cautiously.
While wishing Nigerians a fruitful independence celebration, he reminded them of that the country’s 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.
