President Bola Tinubu has led some dignitaries to celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day Anniversary at the forecourt of the State House Presidential Villa, Abuja.
They including Vice President, Kashim Shettima, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.
Also present were members of the diplomatic community, who witnessed the ceremony, characterized by a colourful military parade.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje, Ministers, Service Chiefs and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
On arrival, President Tinubu was received by members of his cabinet, service chiefs and the Commander of the elite Parade, Lt. Colonel M.A Yusuf who thereafter, gave the President a national salute to signify the essence of the ceremony which is expected to be his first since he assumed office in May 2023.
The parade formation was a combined guard of honour mounted by the officers and men of the Guards Brigade complemented by a detachment, each, drawn from the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Air force, as well as the Nigeria Police respectively.
Some dignitaries at the event said that the renewed hope agenda of the present administration will transform Nigeria’s economy.
Major highlights of the colourful event were a slow and quick march past by personnel of the various services, cutting of the independence day cake and traditional dances by various troupes depicting the cultural diversity of the Nigerian people.
The high point of the occasion was the release of white pigeons by President Tinubu, a ritual that is performed every year to commemorate the independence day celebration to symbolise peace.
SPEAKERS
FEMI GBAJABIAMILA-CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT
ABDULLAHI GANDUJE-APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
BELLO MATAWALLE-MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
ADEBAYO ADELABU-MINISTER OF POWER
EMMANUELLE BLATMANN-FRENCH AMBASSADOR
