The Federal Government has announced Friday, October 1st, as a public holiday in commemoration of the 61st Anniversary of the Country Declaration of Independence.

Greeting all Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 61st anniversary this year, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, assured them of the government’s dedication to tackling and eliminating all forms of challenges – whether political, socio-economic or otherwise.

According to Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, the minister stated that “our warmth, welcoming spirit and 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 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,” Aregbesola continued.

He stated that while it is vital to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st year of independence, President Muhammadu Buhari is primarily concerned about the safety of the people, particularly in light of the resurgence of the COVID-19 Delta variant, according to the Minister.

“Therefore, this year’s celebration is being held without the usual pomp and pageantry.

“While wishing Nigerians a fruitful independence celebration, he reminded them of the fact that our founding fathers, despite the differences in faith, tribe and tongue came together for Nigeria’s independence.

“He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the present administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and abroad as this, he said, shall be a befitting tribute to the struggles of our heroes past”, the statement said.