The federal government has declared Thursday, October 1, a public holiday to mark the nation’s 66th independence anniversary celebration.
The permanent secretary of Nigeria’s interior ministry, Magdalene Ajani, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad on this year’s celebration of the 66th Independence anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960.
“Mr Tunji-Ojo stated that our warmth, welcoming spirit and love, as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land, make Nigeria unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world, being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement said.
He said peace and stability are necessary conditions for the development of any nation.
He therefore called on Nigerians to emulate the nation’s founding fathers in their love for the fatherland and build a Nigeria of our dreams that our children will be proud of, and that a new Nigeria is achievable.
“As we celebrate 66th years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” the statement said, quoting the minister.
He reassured that this administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past.
He urged citizens to use the Independence celebration as an opportunity to demonstrate the values of unity, patriotism, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.
The minister assured Nigerians that the federal government remains committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens can live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.
