On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by his deputy, Kashim Shettima, and other distinguished guests, attended the Independence Day Parade at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Arriving at approximately 10:10 a.m. with his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the President was welcomed to the saluting dais where he participated in the national salute and the singing of the national anthem.
Following this, he conducted an inspection of the guard of honour led by Lieutenant Colonel Moshood Yusuf. The event featured impressive military drills, a vibrant parade, and a ceremonial change of guards executed by the officers and personnel of the Brigade of Guards.
The celebrations included a special presidential change and the inspection of the quarter guard parade, marking the transition between the outgoing and incoming guards’ commanders. The parade also showcased a combined armed forces colour patrol, displaying both the national colours and the regimental colours of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event concluded with the Brigade’s platoon performing intricate silent drills.
The ceremony also included a vibrant cultural display featuring various troupes from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, showcasing the nation’s rich diversity and strength. A highlight of the display was the collaborative effort from all regions to present a life-size talking drum, referred to as the ‘national treasure.’
Following the cultural festivities, President Tinubu signed the anniversary register, released white pigeons into the sky, and cut the anniversary cake, marking the significance of the occasion.
The theme of this year’s anniversary is ‘Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future.’ Tuesday’s ceremony is Tinubu’s second Independence Day observance as President.
While Eagle Square has traditionally hosted such ceremonies, the current administration has opted to relocate the Independence Day activities back to the Villa.
In an announcement made in October 2023, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, indicated that this year’s Independence Day celebration would be observed in a low-key manner due to the challenging economic conditions.
The event saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; SGF Akume; National Security Adviser Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; the Service Chiefs; the Inspector General of Police; cabinet members; former presidents and vice presidents; heads of paramilitary organizations; the Head of the National Intelligence Agency; the Director General of the Directorate of State Services; and members of the diplomatic corps.
After the event, Senate Majority Leader Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele addressed State House Correspondents, emphasizing that the country’s advancement would necessitate a unified effort from all regions.
Bamidele said, “We all listened to Mr. President’s speech, and it was also good to be here, to be a part of this commemorative anniversary ceremony. The message, both from how the military parade was conducted and the cultural display by different cultural groups from various parts of the country, all conveys a single message: not one geopolitical zone of this country can do it alone.
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“It’s not about the South or the North. It’s not about the West or the East, but all of us, as Nigerians, must come together to make the difference that we need.
“The message from Mr. President this morning was also very clear. Mr. President recognised the fact that these times are trying times for Nigerians.
He recognised the fact that, as much as possible, the level of resilience cannot be too much. And he reassured Nigerians that the government was on top of its socioeconomic policies. I have no doubt, by the grace of God, that in another year, as I said before, we should be back here to tell a better story of the state of the Nigerian nation.”
