The federal government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee for a low-key 2024 Independence Day Celebration vested with the responsibility of planning, organising and executing all approved activities lined up to commemorate the nation’s independence.
While inaugurating the Committee, the Chairman of the Committee and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman said the 64th Independence anniversary celebration will be low-keyed to reflect the trying times the nation is undergoing.
Akume, in a statement by the Director Information in the office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, stated that the event will afford the government the opportunity to showcase to Nigerians its scorecard recorded within the short period in office to reposition Nigeria through its reform initiatives to deliver the dividends of democracy.
According to the statement, “The 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will commence with the World Press Conference on Thursday, 26th September 2024 with the following line-up of activities to mark the national event Juma’at Service on Friday, 27th September, 2024; Church Service on Sunday, 29th September 2024; on Monday, 30th September 2024; while the Presidential Broadcast, and 64th Independence Day Parade will hold on Tuesday, 1st October 2024.”
Members of the committees include the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Information and National Orientation, Interior, Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the FCT.
Others are Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Social Events and the Inspector-General of Police.
Also on the committee are the National Security Adviser, Director-General, Department of State Services; Commander, Guards Brigade; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (OSGF).
“The Terms of Reference for the Inter-Ministerial Committee is to plan, organise, and execute all approved activities befitting the Independence Day Celebration on October 1st, 2024; co-opt any organisation(s)/ person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programme; document for posterity, all planned activities for the anniversary; and carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the celebration.”