Independence anniversary: Tinubu, Shettima, lead celebrations at Aso Rock forecourt

President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday led other top government officials as well as eminent dignitaries to celebrate the parade marking the country’s 64th Independence anniversary at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The president who was the Special Guest, arrived the venue at about 10:10 a.m. in the company of his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.

The theme of this year’s anniversary is: “Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future.”

The ceremony was Tinubu’s second Independence Day participation since he became the president.

He was immediately ushered onto the saluting dais for the national salute and the national anthem.

Soon afterwards, he inspected the guard of honour led by Lieutenant Colonel Moshood Yusuf.

The ceremony activities included military drills, a colourful parade and a presidential change of guards performed by officers and men of the Brigade of Guards.

Others included special presidential change and inspection of the quarter guards parade between the outgoing and incoming guards’ commanders.

The parade featured a combined armed forces colour patrol, which displayed the national colour and the regimental colours of the Nigerian Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. Thereafter, the Guard’s Brigade platoon performed special silent drills.

There were also cultural displays by different troupes from the country’s six geopolitical zones which showcased the strength and diversity of the Nigerian people.

Afterwards, Tinubu signed the anniversary register, released the white pigeons and cut the anniversary cake.

Independence celebration used to be held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, but the current administration shifted this year’s edition to the Aso Villa.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had earlier announced that the anniversary would be observed on a low-key due to the dicey state of the economy, hence the shift to the Villa.

The Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, who spoke with the State House Correspondents afterwards said: “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. 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.”

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