• Hausa Edition
  • Podcast
  • Conferences
  • LeVogue Magazine
  • Business News
  • Print Advert Rates
  • Online Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Leadership Newspapers
Read in Hausa
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Leadership Newspapers
No Result
View All Result

Celebrating Independence Day 2024

by Leadership News
11 months ago
in Opinion
Nigeria
Share on WhatsAppShare on FacebookShare on XTelegram

As the sun rose over Abuja on October 1, 2024, Nigeria ushered in its 64th year of independence with a display of pageantry that would make even the most cynical observer pause. The air was thick with nostalgia, hope, and the unmistakable scent of political theatre.

Advertisement

President Bola Tinubu kicked off the festivities with his nationwide broadcast. One can only imagine the wordsmithing that went into crafting a speech meant to inspire a nation grappling with a myriad of challenges. Did it strike the right chord? Well, that’s a question best left to the 200 million-plus Nigerians.

The main event, held at the forecourt of the State House, was a veritable who’s who of Nigerian politics and power. Ministers, dignitaries, and diplomats descended upon the venue like eager students on the first day of school, each vying for the best view of the proceedings. One couldn’t help but wonder if the same enthusiasm would be applied to tackling the nation’s problems once the cameras stopped rolling.
The “One Nigeria unity fabric” was the fashion statement of the day, worn by guests and ministers alike.

It’s a lovely sentiment, isn’t it? Unity in fabric, if not always in purpose. One can’t help but ponder how many of these same individuals, draped in the colours of togetherness, will return to their offices to play the age-old game of regional and ethnic politics.

The arrival of the service chiefs, the chief justice of Nigeria, and the leadership of the National Assembly was met with a “general welcome salute.”

RELATED

Ribadu Leads Delegation To Chad President Deby

One Celebration Too Early

15 hours ago
Badenoch Proposes 15-year Wait For Immigrants To Gain UK Citizenship  

Of Badmouth And Diplomatic Insults

2 days ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife made their entrance in pristine white, a colour choice that surely wasn’t lost on those versed in the symbolism of Nigerian politics. White for purity? For a new beginning?

And then, the main event. President Tinubu’s arrival at 10:06 am was nothing short of cinematic. Flanked by Scottish-dressed guard boys. He swept in wearing his signature “cap”.

The military drills, parades, and change of guards that followed were impressive displays of precision and discipline. If only such coordination could be applied to our infrastructure projects or economic policies, one muses.

ADVERTISEMENT

The cultural displays from the six geo-political zones were a highlight, showcasing Nigeria’s rich diversity. It’s a beautiful reminder of what makes this nation unique – and also what makes governing it so complex. Unity in diversity is our strength, they say, but it’s also been our Achilles heel in many ways.

President Tinubu’s signing of the anniversary register, releasing of pigeons, and cutting of the cake were the cherries on top of this ceremonial sundae. One can’t help but wonder if the pigeons, symbols of peace and freedom, knew more about the state of the nation than they let on as they took flight.

The theme of this year’s celebration – “Reflecting on the past, inspiring the future” – is poignant. Reflection is indeed necessary, but one hopes it goes deeper than the surface-level pageantry we witnessed. After 64 years of independence, it’s high time we moved beyond inspiring speeches and colourful displays to tangible progress that impacts the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

As the dignitaries filed out, one couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Pride in how far we’ve come, certainly. Hope for where we might go, absolutely. But also a nagging sense that we’ve seen this all before.

Sixty-four years is more than enough time for a nation to find its footing. As we march towards our 65th year, let’s hope that the reflection promised in this year’s theme leads to real inspiration – and more importantly, to action. Because while pomp and pageantry are well and good, it’s progress that will truly give Nigerians something to celebrate.

For now, as the echoes of the national anthem fade and the last of the anniversary cake is consumed, we’re left with the same questions we ask every year: What’s next, Nigeria? And more importantly, when will the promises of independence truly be fulfilled for all?


Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Nigerians can now earn US Dollars monthly by acquiring domains cheaply and reselling for profits up to $18,000 (nearly ₦30Million). Beneficiaries include professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants and more. Click here to start.


Tags: Independence Day
SendShare10170Tweet6356Share
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Govt Support Needed For Sustainable Energy – Ojoboh

Next Post

LEADERSHIP: 20 Years Of Great ‘Newsmanship’

Leadership News

Leadership News

You May Like

Ribadu Leads Delegation To Chad President Deby
Editorial

One Celebration Too Early

2025/08/24
Badenoch Proposes 15-year Wait For Immigrants To Gain UK Citizenship  
Opinion

Of Badmouth And Diplomatic Insults

2025/08/23
2023 Polls: We’re Are Prosecuting 774 Offenders – INEC
Opinion

Political Coalition And The Future Of Nigerians

2025/08/23
Agwu Becomes Fellow Of NIPR
Columns

My Encounter With Mufu The Vulcanizer

2025/08/23
By-Elections And The Reality Check
Columns

By-Elections And The Reality Check

2025/08/23
33.3% Nigerians, Ghanaians Risk Developing Kidney Disease — Study
Editorial

Beyond The Subsidy On Kidney Dialysis

2025/08/23
Leadership Conference advertisement

LATEST

BBNaija10: After Victory, Gigi Jasmine Evicted

BBNaija10: Ex-HoH Victory Evicted

Concerns As Unregulated Sexual Stimulants Flood Nigeria, Others

Airport Saga: Gov Eno Sues For Peace, Pledges Support For Ibom Air, Emmanson

BBNaija10: Mensan Becomes ‘Most Influential’ Housemate Of Week 4

JUST-IN: Benue Assembly Elects Ermberga As New Speaker

Kaduna NUJ Chairman Alabelewe Loses Wife

Banditry: Kwara Gov, Security Chiefs Visit Affected Communities

BREAKING: Benue Assembly Speaker Aondona Dajoh Resigns

Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap, Armed Robbery Kingpin, Others In Nasarawa

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.