Nigerian Soldiers on parade

The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, citing the need for sober reflection.

The decision was announced on Monday in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement, signed by Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, read.

The government noted that other activities lined up for the celebration will proceed, including the presidential broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.

At a press conference in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Independence Day remains an opportunity for reflection and renewed patriotism.

“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 stressed that this year’s theme, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” underscores the shared responsibility of nation-building.

Akume highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a framework for economic reforms, pointing to early results in easing inflation, attracting investment, creating jobs, and expanding social programmes.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the anniversary as “a monumental commemoration,” likening Nigeria’s resilience to sapphire, which symbolises loyalty, truth, and wisdom.