The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled activities for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, beginning from tomorrow with a special Jumat service in Abuja.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at a press conference in Abuja, said the activities would be celebrated for a whole year, ending September 30, 2021.
He disclosed that the celebration would be low-key as earlier announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This is not unconnected with the Covid-19 global pandemic, which has forced some safety protocols on nations around the world. Therefore, the pomp and pageantry that should have marked the celebration will be largely missing,” he said.
Mohammed said the activities that have been lined-up for the Diamond Jubilee will be intermittent, running till September, next year.
“There are some activities that may come up after the ones to be announced today. This does not mean there will be daily activities between now and Sept. 30th 2021, but that there will be staggered events during that period. We will ensure to keep you posted,” he explained.
He listed the activities slated to start this week and extend till next week as:
– Public Lecture
Date: Friday September 25th 2020
Venue: National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja National Mosque
Time: 10.00am

– Special Jumat Prayers
Date: Friday September 25th 2020
Venue: National Mosque, Abuja
Time: 1pm

– Inter-denominational Church Service
Date: Sunday, September 27th 2020
Venue: National Christian Centre, Abuja
Time: 3pm
NOTE: Members of the public can join the church service virtually by logging on to the Youtube Channel of the OSGF at OFFICIALOSGFNG

– Launch of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy as well as Integrity Award by Mr. President to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ICPC
Date: Monday September 28th 2020
Venue: State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja
Time: 10.00am

– Historical Exhibition
Date: Monday, September 28th 2020
Venue: National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja
Time: 3pm

– Presidential Broadcast
Date: Thursday, October 1st 2020
Venue: From the Eagle Square

– Guard of Honour/Anniversary Parade
Date: Thursday, October 1st 2020
Venue: Eagle Square, Abuja
Time: 10am

Mohammed further stated that these events are strictly by invitation and that all COVID-19 protocols would be observed at the various venues.
“The Media will have free access to the events that are open, like the Jumat and Church Services. Of course, the events slated for the Presidential Villa will be covered by the accredited State House media,” the minister said.
“Now, some may wonder why Nigeria needs to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee at all, considering the myriad of socio-economic challenges facing the country. And our answer to that is contained in our theme of ‘Together’.
“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.
“Also, 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.
“The Administration 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.
“And so, I say, let the celebrations begin, and this is wishing all Nigerians a happy 60th independence anniversary.”
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mrs. Sadiya Farouq were present at the event.