President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and selected guests yesterday celebrated Nigeria’s 54th Independence with a low-key event held at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. This is even as a former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon said everybody should join hands to make Nigeria great.
Jonathan and other dignitaries watched the Presidential Change of Guards parade. The President inspected the quarter guards before walking into the fore-court where he received the national salute followed by the rendition of the National Anthem to signal the commencement of the event proper. The parade was performed by the 177 Battalion, Presidential Guards Brigade, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The event witnessed the inspection of new guard/quarter guards, silent drills, posting of sentries/colour patrol and echelon reporting of parade, among others. Weapons and uniforms were also inspected to ensure conformity and uniformity.
The President signed the anniversary register, released pigeons to signify peace and led some of the dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.
Speaking to State House Correspondents, Gen. Gowon said: “I believe in Nigeria, I love Nigeria, and we all must work for Nigeria; that is everybody, the government and the opposition, in order to make Nigeria great. That is my wish. Nigeria will survive byond 2015”.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, said: “It is for us to continue the resolve to build our country and to resolve to commonly address our common enemies and collectively decide to make Nigeria a great country.
Among other dignitaries at the event were Head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; and ex-Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya. Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Alex Bardeh, service chiefs, the Acting Inspector- General of Police and other heads of security agencies, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
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Low-key independence anniversary in Abuja |
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