The Federal Government on Thursday celebrated the nation’s 55th independence anniversary in a low-key at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
There was also presidential change of guard to mark the occasion.
Besides the pruning down of the anniversary celebration budget to N70 million unlike the huge resources it gulped over the years, the celebration was the first in the democratic administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours, was held at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, replacing the full military parade, drills and entertainments which used to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja, before 2010.
Since October 1, 2010 when the anniversary celebration was marred by explosions at the Eagle Square, subsequent celebrations under former President Goodluck Jonathan took place in Aso Rock.
Thursday’s event started with the arrival of President Buhari, although he did not appear in the ceremonial military uniform as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
There was also 21 gun salute in the honour of President Buhari.
The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and color parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.
Shortly after the ceremony, President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from cage and he was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.
Those that attended the ceremony included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed.
Also at the ceremony were the former head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former Chief of General. Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya, former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, and Service chiefs.
The occasion was also graced by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako and APC governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva,
Top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.
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