The Federal Government has unveiled the programme of events for the 63rd Independence Day anniversary celebration.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who led the unveiling of the programme yesterday in Abuja, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a low-key celebration as a result of the current economic realities.
The SGF assured Nigerians that the current government was working with relevant stakeholders, including the organised labour, to bring succour to all citizens.
Speaking on the programme for the 63rd Independence Day anniversary, Akume said the events started with a world press conference, a national broadcast by President Tinubu on Sunday, October 1, and others.
“As you are aware, the President has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key, in line with the present economic realities. The theme of the anniversary is: Nigeria at 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.
“In view of the above, the following programmes have been lined up to mark the celebration: a world press conference on Monday, September 25, at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, at 11 a.m;
“An anniversary symposium/public lecture on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at State House Conference Centre, at 10 a.m;
“A lecture on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the National Mosque Conference Centre (Abuja) at 10 a.m, and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque at 1 p.m;
“A presidential broadcast will hold on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7 a.m;
“An inter-denominational church service on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the National Christian Centre (in Abuja) at 10 a.m; and
“A military parade on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Presidential Villa, at 9 a.m,” he said.
On the economic situation in the country, Akume said the Tinubu administration was aware of its effects of the citizens, assuring that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda was tailored to straighten out the situation.
“The government is fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.
“The government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives to mitigate such challenges and the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation, among others.
“At the same time, the government is engaging with labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
“It is for this reason that this government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will improve food security, guarantee end to poverty, improve security, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improve the playing field on which people, and particularly companies, operate, respect for the rule of law, and fight against corruption,” he said.