Nigeria will keep its 60th independence anniversary celebration low-key on account of the Covid-19 global pandemic, which has forced some safety protocols globally, minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed reiterated on Thursday.
However, government has scheduled a Public Lecture, Special Jumat Prayers Inter-denominational Church Service ahead of the formal celebrations on October1, 2020.
According to the minister, the Diamond Jubilee celebration – expected to run through a whole year, ending September 30th 2021 – is necessary despite the myriad of socio-economic challenges facing the country.
The minister was addressing a press conference to announce the activities lined up for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, which President Buhari had already kick-started by launching the logo and the theme for the anniversary celebration.
He was joined at the briefing by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq.
“For a country that has gone through a bitter, internecine civil war, years of political crisis, daunting security challenges, including religious and ethnic crisis, etc, our unity and our resilience (which by the way is what diamond represents) are worth celebrating,” he stated.
He further noted that “in certain cultures, the age of 60 is seen as the beginning of a new cycle of life, and is usually well marked. For Nigeria as a country, the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari offers a new beginning.”
Mohammed assured that government is working assiduously to build a new Nigeria, laying the building blocks for industrial and technological development by building massive infrastructures in the areas of power, roads, bridges, rail etc. and by developing human capital.
“The Administration is also fighting corruption, tackling insecurity and diversifying the economy by leveraging ICT, Creative Industry, Agriculture and mining, among others.”
The theme of the anniversary is ‘Together’, which authorities say should remind citizens of unity and encourage them to forge ahead.
“Therefore, the pomp and pageantry that should have marked the celebration will be largely missing,” Mohammed stated.
The activities slated to start this week and extend till next week, include; a Public Lecture and Special Jumat Prayers next Friday at the National Mosque, as well as an Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday at National Christian Centre.
President Buhari will Launch the National Ethics and Integrity Policy as well as Integrity Award to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ICPC on Monday September 28th 2020 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. A Historical Exhibition has been scheduled same on Monday, at National Press Centre, Abuja.
He added that there will be a Presidential Broadcast, followed by a Guard of Honour/Anniversary Parade at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Recall that Buhari has already unveiled the 60th Anniversary logo which comprises a neatly encrusted Diamond on the Nigerian Map which symbolizes age of treasure, the worth of the Nigerian people with their sparkle to the admiration of the world. There’s also the pear green and dark green colours which should, respectively remind citizens of their warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in the country’s human capital and the richness of the land.
“All these properties make us unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world and Africa’s largest economy,” Mohammed noted.
