60th independence: FG declares Thursday public holiday

Thursday, October 1 has been declared public holiday by the Federal Government to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

He congratulated all Nigerians on the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee and assured of government’s unwavering commitment to the socio-economic transformation of the country.

Aregbesola said, “A country of about 200 million people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious DIAMOND that we are.

“Nigerians are sparkling like diamond in the pack, whether in academia, business, innovation, music, movie, entertainment, fashion and culture.

“We are indeed the leading black nation in the entire world and no doubt Africa’s pride and beacon of hope.”

The minister, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Georgina Ehuriah, said though, celebrating 60 years of independence really called for pomp and pageantry, but for the global COVID-19 pandemic “we cannot avoid the imperative of a low-keyed celebration at this time.”
While wishing Nigerians fruitful independence celebration, he reminded them that the founding fathers in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue came together for Nigeria’s independence.

He therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the present administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and abroad as this, he said, shall be a befitting tribute to the struggles of our heroes past.
“We must together make Nigeria great again,” Aregbesola said.