The Federal Government has declared Friday, October 1, 2021, as public holiday to mark the nation’s 61st Independence Anniversary Celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government and congratulated all Nigerians on this year’s celebration of the country’s 61st independence and assured of the government’s commitment to tackle and eradicate all forms of challenges, be it political, socio-economic, and all diverse problems.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, Aregbesola said the warmth, welcoming spirit, 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 Nigerians can can rally themselves together to harness its 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.”
He also confirmed that celebrating Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary is necessary but that the safety of the citizenry is President Muhammadu Buhari’s huge concern, especially with COVID-19 delta variance still in place. Therefore, this year’s celebration is being held without the usual pomp and pageantry.
While also 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.”