61st Independence: FG Declares Friday, October 1, Public Holiday

61st Independence: FG Declares Friday, October 1, Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared  Friday , October 1, as public holiday to mark the Nation’s 61st  Independence Anniversary Celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates all Nigerians on this year’s Celebration of the Country’s 61st  independence and assures of Government’s  commitment to tackle and eradicate all forms of challenges –be it political socio-economic  and all diverse problems.
Aregbeola said that our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land, makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black  nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope, if we can rally ourselves together to harness our potentials.

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

The Minister confirmed that, celebrating Nigeria’s Sixty First Independence Anniversary is necessary, but that the safety of the Citizenry  is  Mr. President’s huge concern, especially with COVID-19 third Delta variance  still in place. Therefore   this year’s celebration is being held without the usual  pomp and pageantry.

While wishing Nigerians a fruitful independence celebration, he reminded them of the fact that our 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”, Aregbesola said.

Dr. Shuaib Belgore
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Interior
29th September, 2021