•Opts for low-key celebration
By Mariyah Adamu, Abuja
Ahead of Nigeria’s 65th independence Anniversary, the Federal Government has said that its Reforms are beginning to yield expected results.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, stated this yesterday at a World Press Conference to mark the anniversary coming up on Wednesday.
Akume, said Nigerians are beginning to witness positive outcomes from the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The SGF pointed out that the reforms, though tough, were necessary to stabilise the economy, restore investors’ confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
According to him “Through our mandate, we provide an institutional backbone that drives programmes and initiatives designed to make the Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda not just a slogan, but the reality for Nigerians.
“We are all aware of the economic reforms initiated by this administration.
“They are bold and imaginative, but sometimes difficult, but necessary steps aimed at stabilising our economy, restoring investors’ confidence and laying the foundation for long-term growth.
“Already, we are witnessing positive results. Inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows have shown renewed interest, while job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for our youths”, he said.
He added that social intervention programmes are also being strengthened to cushion the effects of the reforms on the vulnerable.
The SGF said the independence anniversary, with the theme: “Nigeria at 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation”, was a reminder that the responsibility of building the country rested on both government and citizens.
He said that every Nigerian, youths and elders, men and women, public servants and entrepreneurs, farmers and professionals, teachers, traders, military and paramilitary personnel, as well as those in the diaspora have roles to play in nation-building.
Akume, said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu had become a framework for national rebirth, inclusivity and sustainable progress, particularly for the youths.
The SGF added that his office, as the engine room of government, was ensuring policy coordination, inter-ministerial synergy and effective implementation of presidential priorities.
He then used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians in the spirit of celebration to remain resilient, united and committed to the ideals of peace and progress, which he said were the foundations laid by the nation’s founding fathers.
“Our journey from 1960 to this moment has been marked by triumphs and moments of joy and of testing. But through it all, the Nigerian spirit has remained high and unbroken.
“We have endured challenges in governance, economy, security and social cohesion.
“Our true strength lies in our capacity to consistently rise after every storm, to rebuild after every setback and forge ahead with resilience and faith in our destiny as a nation”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal has opted for a low-key 65th Independence Day anniversary celebration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known at the Pre-Independence World Press Conference.
In this vein, “Activities will be low-key. We started with the Jummat Prayers on Friday and the ThanksGiving Service on Sunday.
“The National Value Charter as championed by National Orientation Agency ,NOA, will also be unveiled.
“The National Students’ debate is also another activity that will hold to mark the 65th independence anniversary celebration”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Wednesday as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement in Abuja, yesterday.
News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Nigeria celebrates its independence annually on Oct.1.
Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating Nigerians on the historic celebration, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity and resilience that has sustained the nation since its independence in 1960.
He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which was anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation and collective prosperity.
The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.
