“The 64th independence anniversary calls for a combination of critical actions on our part as citizens and collectively as a nation..”
By Anayochukwu Agbo
In the spirit of the time, President Bola Tinubu, Thursday, September 26, declared that Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary will be Lowkeyed, like the last Democracy Day celebration on June 12.
George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation and chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary announced this at a press conference in Abuja.
“The 64th independence anniversary calls for a combination of critical actions on our part as citizens and collectively as a nation. These actions include a reflection on our past, recognition of our accomplishments on the journey so far and a determination to raise the banner of hope, progress, peace, unity and development.”
To this end, the independence day will be marked by a parade at the Presidential Villa by 10.00am. This will be preceded by Jumat service at the National Mosque on Friday, September 27 and interdenominational church service at the National Christian Centre on Sunday, September 29.
He said it was a thing of pride to have 25 years of “stable, unbroken democratic sovereignty.”
This has not been without its challenges. “Like several other nations, we are currently grappling with diverse challenges but we remain resolute in our inalienable destiny to build a strong and proud country that works for the good of all citizens irrespective of status, tribe, religion and creed.”
He assured Nigerians the government is aware of their pains, “This government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economic conditions we are passing through. These have been occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that his administration has had to make. Not withstanding the daunting challenges, ceaseless efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long term basis, through diligent implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. These Policies and Programs are being implemented for long term solutions to these problems and I assure us all that in no distant time, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the trajectory of our socio-economic development would soar higher in the positive territory.”
Against this background, “in alignment with the mood of the nation, therefore, I wish to inform you that the President, Commander – in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved that the 64th Independence celebration should be low-keyed.
It is in this context that the program of events have been designed to remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He used the opportunity to summarise the programmes and projects of the government and assured Nigerians the government is on course.
“One of the major challenges facing Nigerians is rising food prices. To bolster food security, availability and ensure affordability of food, government has removed tariffs on the importation of certain categories of food. In addition government has distributed fertilizers, farm inputs and other critical items to boost food production.”
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, who chairs the media subcommittee, said it is “a time of reflection, celebration, and renewed hope as we honour the journey of Nigeria, a nation that has demonstrated resilience, strength, capacity, and an unyielding spirit in the face of numerous and daunting challenges.”
He noted that since independence in 1960, “Nigeria has evolved from a nation of hope and potential into a leading force on the African continent and a respected voice in the global community.” despite “numerous trials, from political upheavals to economic challenges.”
These notwithstanding, “each time we have risen stronger through our shared unwavering vision of a united and prosperous country.”
Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken since 1999, he asserted, “stands as a testament to the will of the Nigerian people to attain and sustain freedom and liberty for posterity. we have weathered the storm and remained committed to democratic values and showcasing the maturity of our political system.”
He said the Tinubu government has initiated “transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting the missteps of the past and repositioning Nigeria as an economic superpower in the near future. Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth.”
David Umahi, minister of works; Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Ministers of budget and planning, Water resources and education all responded to questions as they pertain to their respective ministries.
Tahir Mamman, minister of education, was asked to explain his new brain wave of 18 years as the minimum entery age into Nigerian universities.
“Our laws, the Universal Basic Education Act and the Minimum Standards Policy Act, established in 1993, prescribe age limits and provisions for each education level,” Mamman said.
“A child is expected to enter school at six years of age, complete six years of primary school, three years of junior secondary, and three years of senior secondary.”
However, parents have been hurrying their children, getting them into school too early, sometimes skipping key education levels,” he added.
Mamman emphasised that the early completion of school by students too young to take on the SSCE is counterproductive.
According to him, students need to be adequately prepared to either further their studies or gain employable skills by the time they complete secondary school.
“Parents rushing their children through school disrupts the learning process. The curriculum we have introduced requires time for students to develop both academically and skillfully. The policy is designed to ensure that by the time students graduate from senior secondary school, they will either be ready for tertiary education or equipped with employable skills,” Mamman explained.
