The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 2, 2023, as a public holiday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the announcement through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The statement assured Nigerians of the government’s continued commitment to tackling the challenges facing the country.
“It is today a known fact that difficult Socio-Economic and Security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated,” she said.
The Minister said the government was making daily efforts to confront these challenges with all the might available.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s eminent position in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country is achievable if Nigerians work together in unity.
“Our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black Nation in the World being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” she said.
Nigeria gained Independence from the United Kingdom which was its colonial master in October 1, 1960.
Africa’s largest economy became a republic in October 1963 and declared itself as the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume said Nigeria will mark its 63rd independence anniversary with a low-key celebration.
he decision to scale back the festivities was taken in light of the country’s economic challenges, Akume told a press conference in Abuja.
“No world leaders have been invited,” he said. “This celebration is low-key as I said due to the realities on ground.”
The anniversary will be celebrated under the theme “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.”
Akume said the government was aware of the economic challenges Nigerians were facing and was working to provide necessary palliatives.
“We are engaging with labour to address areas of concern for the wellbeing of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally,” he said.
Nigeria’s economy has been hit hard by the global economic downturn and the removal of fuel subsidies. The country is also grappling with rising inflation and unemployment.
Despite the challenges, Akume said the government was determined to build a better future for Nigeria.
“We have not invited foreign leaders,” he said. “Time would come that we would gather world leaders to celebrate with us. But for now, none.”
