The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the traditional parade earlier slated to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary tomorrow, October 1.
The decision was conveyed on Monday through a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.
“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade previously scheduled for Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement read.
While regretting any inconvenience the move may cause, the government assured Nigerians that other commemorative activities would go ahead. These include President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast, cultural displays and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stressed that Independence Day remained more than a ceremonial event.
“Independence Day is a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to unity, peace and progress,” Akume said.
He disclosed that this year’s theme, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” highlights the shared responsibility of citizens in nation-building.
Akume commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as the guiding framework for Nigeria’s economic transformation. He admitted that the reforms had been tough on households but insisted they were necessary for long-term stability.
“The reforms are bold and sometimes difficult, but they are necessary to restore investor confidence, strengthen our fiscal position and lay the foundation for sustainable growth,” he said, noting early signs of progress such as renewed foreign investments, easing inflationary pressures and targeted social interventions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also weighed in, describing the anniversary as a “monumental commemoration” and likening Nigeria at 65 to sapphire, a gemstone that symbolises loyalty, truth and wisdom.
“Just as sapphire is precious and enduring, so too is Nigeria’s journey as a sovereign nation—resilient, wise, and faithful to its destiny,” Idris remarked.
He lauded the Tinubu administration’s strides in taxation, infrastructure, education, agriculture, energy, oil and gas reforms, while reaffirming Nigeria’s continued leadership role in Africa.
Nigeria attained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. Over the decades, the celebration has been traditionally marked with military parades, cultural activities and religious observances.
