Along with other dignitaries, President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima, watched Tuesday’s Independence Day Parade at the Aso Rock Villa’s forecourt in Abuja.
Together with his wife, the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Tinubu, the Special Guest, arrived at the location at around 10:10 a.m. and was escorted onto the saluting dais for the national anthem and salute.
Subsequently, he examined the honor guard escorted by Lieutenant Colonel Moshood Yusuf and took a seat to witness military exercises, a vibrant procession, and a guard rotation for the president executed by Brigade of Guards commanders and troops.
The unique presidential transition that ensued was followed by the commanders of the departing and entering guards inspecting the quarter guards parade.
A joint armed forces color patrol that included the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force’s regimental colors as well as the national color was another highlight of Tuesday’s Independence Day celebration. The Guard’s Brigade platoon then carried out unique quiet drills.
The ceremony also included a cultural exhibition showcasing the diversity and strength of the Nigerian people, performed by various troupes from each of the six geopolitical zones in the nation. The cultural exhibit also showed how the many areas worked together to raise the “national treasure,” a life-size talking drum.
After that, President Tinubu cut the anniversary cake, signed the anniversary register, and freed the white pigeons.
“Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future” is this year’s anniversary theme.
This Tuesday’s event marks President Tinubu’s second Independence Day celebration.
These kinds of ceremonies were previously held at Eagle Square, but the new administration relocated the events back to the Villa.
The announcement of this development was made in October 2023 by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who stated that because to the unstable situation of the economy, the anniversary of Independence Day would be marked quietly.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with his spouse Nana Shettima, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, SGF Akume, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, cabinet members, former presidents and vice presidents, heads of paramilitary organizations, the Director General of the Directorate of State Services, the Head of the National Intelligence Agency, and members of the diplomatic corps were present.
Speaking to State House Correspondents afterwards, Senate Majority Leader Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the various zones’ combined resolve will be necessary for the nation’s advancement.
“We all heard the President’s speech,” Bamidele remarked, “and it was good to be here, to be a part of this commemorative anniversary ceremony.” One message is conveyed by both the military parade and the cultural exhibition including numerous cultural groups from different sections of the country: no single geopolitical zone of this country can accomplish its goals on its own.
“Neither the North nor the South are relevant. To create the necessary change, Nigerians as a whole must unite and put aside divisions between the West and the East.
“This morning, Mr. President delivered a very clear message. The President acknowledged that these are difficult times for Nigerians. He realized that resilience cannot be overstated to the greatest extent feasible. Additionally, he gave Nigerians confidence that the government was monitoring its socioeconomic initiatives. By God’s help, I am confident that, as I previously stated, we will return in a year to present a more accurate picture of the situation facing the people of Nigeria.
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