President Bola Tinubu, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government dignitaries, marked Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary with a modest yet significant celebration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event was characterized by a military parade that took place at the forecourt of the presidential villa, under the watchful eyes of the elite Brigade of Guards and additional personnel from sister security agencies.
The heightened security measures included intense screening processes at the main gate and a considerable security presence at the forecourt itself.
President Tinubu arrived at the venue at 10 am, where he was greeted by the sounds of pipers and inspected a Quarter Guard mounted by the Guards Brigade.
The president then took his place on the saluting dais to receive the national salute, officially commencing the day’s proceedings.
The celebration featured a presidential change of guards and a Nigerian Armed Forces Colour patrol, along with displays that highlighted the nation’s military prowess and national pride.
The ceremony continued with a performance by the Silent Drill Platoon from the Guards Brigade, which captivated the audience that included cabinet ministers, presidential aides, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The event also showcased a range of performances by a combined mass band and cultural troupe representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The festivities concluded with President Tinubu signing the anniversary register, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake alongside Vice President Shettima, leaders of the National Assembly, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; SGF Akume; the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; Service Chiefs; the Inspector General of Police; cabinet members; former presidents and vice presidents; heads of paramilitary organisations; the Head of the National Intelligence Agency; the Director General of the Directorate of State Services; and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, who spoke to State House Correspondents afterwards, said the country’s progress would require the collective resolve of the various zones.
Bamidele said, “We all listened to Mr. President’s speech, and it was also good to be here, to be a part of this commemorative anniversary ceremony. The message, both from how the military parade was conducted and the cultural display by different cultural groups from various parts of the country, all conveys a single message: not one geopolitical zone of this country can do it alone.
“It’s not about the South or the North. It’s not about the West or the East, but all of us, as Nigerians, must come together to make the difference that we need.
“The message from Mr. President this morning was also very clear. Mr. President recognised the fact that these times are trying times for Nigerians. He recognised the fact that, as much as possible, the level of resilience cannot be too much. And he reassured Nigerians that the government was on top of its socioeconomic policies. I have no doubt, by the grace of God, that in another year, as I said before, we should be back here to tell a better story of the state of the Nigerian nation.”
The ceremony ended with the release of doves, symbolizing the nation’s aspirations for peace and unity.
