The Federal Government is planning a low-key 65th Independence Day anniversary celebration, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has said.
He made this known at the Pre-Independence World Press Conference in Abuja, yesterday.
To commemorate the event, tomorrow has been declared a public holiday.
The theme of the celebration is “All Hands on Deck”
“Activities will be low-key. We started with the Jummat Prayers on Friday and the ThanksGiving Service on Sunday.
“The National Value Charter as championed by National Orientation Agency (NOA) will also be unveiled.
“The National Students’ debate is also another activity that will hold to mark the 65th independence anniversary celebration,” he said.
The National Value Charter, championed by NOA, is a framework for cultivating national pride and fostering responsible citizenship by outlining both the government’s commitment and citizens’ obligations.
The charter is divided into two parts, the “Nigerian Promise” details government commitments to values like equality and freedom, while the “Citizen’s Commitment” outlines individual responsibilities such as discipline, accountability, and tolerance.
The NOA’s campaign aims to promote these principles through sensitisation drives, collaboration with community stakeholders, and leveraging digital platforms to build a more unified and value-driven society.
The charter also defines the ‘Nigerian Promise’, the government’s commitment to equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom and meritocracy.
It also highlights a ‘Citizen’s Code’ calling on Nigerians to embrace discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability, environmental awareness and resilience.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who announced the public holiday, on behalf of the Federal Government congratulated Nigerians on the historic celebration and enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity and resilience that has sustained the nation since its independence in 1960.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated independence anniversary parade.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the government clarified that this cancellation does not undermine the importance of the milestone year. Rather, it reflects a decision to prioritise other forms of commemoration.
The government assured Nigerians that all other scheduled events for the Independence Anniversary will proceed as planned.
In recent years, the Independence Day event has often taken place at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
Past celebrations included the invitees witnessing the ceremonial changing of guards at the Villa integrated with independence day observances. The celebrations tend to balance military parade displays with dignified cultural elements.
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