The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that the celebration of the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary will be a low-key affair. This was revealed by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), during a press briefing in Abuja. The event was held to outline the activities planned for this year's anniversary.In his address, Senator Akume stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a subdued celebration in alignment with the current mood of the nation. He acknowledged the various challenges Nigeria faces but emphasized that the administration is actively working to alleviate the immediate impacts and create long-term solutions. According to Akume, the government is implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is designed to tackle these issues in the short, medium, and long term. He assured Nigerians that, under President Tinubu’s leadership, the nation’s socio-economic trajectory would soon experience significant positive growth.Akume highlighted some of the key initiatives that have already been launched under the current administration. He mentioned the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), a program designed to ease transportation difficulties. The initiative saw the deployment of thirty hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of its first phase. This program is expected to expand nationwide and reduce transportation costs significantly.In addition, the government has retrofitted the first CNG-powered train head for the Abuja-Kaduna railway line. This innovation is expected to cut travel costs by up to fifty percent when fully operational.Further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to economic growth, Akume mentioned President Tinubu's focus on strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs, the government aims to boost the country’s economy and create more opportunities for growth.Security has also been a key focus of the administration, as it continues to tackle insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities that have plagued various parts of the country. Senator Akume noted that the armed forces and security agencies have been strengthened to address these issues more effectively. The results are beginning to show, with insurgents and bandits being neutralized in large numbers, and many others surrendering for rehabilitation.The government has also revamped the National Social Investment Programme to better support the poor, vulnerable, and elderly. In line with this, Nigerian workers have seen a significant boost in their income with the approval of a new National Minimum Wage, following a Wage Award that was introduced to ease their financial burden.In the education sector, the Nigerian Students Loan Fund has disbursed over N2.5 billion to more than 22,120 beneficiaries across the country’s higher institutions. This initiative provides much-needed relief to parents and offers students from low-income backgrounds the opportunity to pursue higher education.As part of the Independence Anniversary activities, there will be a Special Juma’at Prayer on Friday, 27th September 2024, at the National Mosque, Abuja, followed by an Inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday, 29th September 2024, at the National Christian Centre. The celebrations will culminate on Tuesday, 1st October 2024, with a Presidential Broadcast and a low-key Independence Anniversary Parade at the Presidential Villa.
