President Muhammadu Buhari has declared Friday, October 1, as a public holiday to mark the Nation’s 61st Independence Anniversary Celebration.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration today, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulating all Nigerians on this year’s celebration, while assuring them of the Government’s commitment to making the country better.
The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, expressed that with the presence of COVID-19’s third Delta variant still in place, this year’s celebration will be held quietly.
According to him, “Our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land, make 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.”
He reminded Nigerians of the strength in togetherness, which he said was portrayed by the founding fathers of the nation, who in spite of their differences in faith, tribe and tongue came together for Nigeria’s independence.
While wishing citizens a fruitful celebration, Argbesola urged them to synergize with the Buhari-led Administration in making Nigeria great.
