Independence Day: Buhari, dignitaries mark 59th anniversary in Aso Rock
- Several dignitaries joined President Buhari in Aso Rock for celebration of Nigeria's 59th independence anniversary
- The president performed some annual independent rituals before cutting the cake with the help of vice president Yemi Osinbajo, service chiefs and other government officials
- Some past government officials like ex-military head of state, Yakubu Gowon, and ex-military chief of staff, Oladipo Diya, were also present
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated Nigeria's 59th independence anniversary inside the presidential villa, Aso Rock on Tuesday, October 1.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of dignitaries joined the Nigerian for the celebrations held at the forecourt of the presidential villa in Abuja.
Relaying events, NAN reported that Buhari appeared at the celebration in blue traditional attire with a blue cap to match.
He inspected a quarter guard before marching to the presidential villa’s forecourt to receive the national salute which was followed by renditions of the national anthem, staging of the conduct of change of guards parade, silent drill and special displays.
The ceremony was followed by band displays and 21 gun salute and inspection of the quarter guard.
Source: Facebook
There was also presidential change of guard from 177 Guard Battalion to 7th Battalion of the Guards Brigade.
Buhari later signed the anniversary register and released 59 pigeons from a cage.
The president cut the anniversary cake, assisted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
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A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo and a former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, retired Gen. Oladipo Diya and the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole were among personalities at the event.
Ministers, heads of security agencies, including service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, traditional and religious leaders were also in attendance.
Buhari had earlier addressed the nation in a broadcast as part of activities to mark the Independence Anniversary.
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Legit.ng notes that there was no heavy celebration and neither were there parades at Eagles Square as had been the case in the past. We had exclusively reported earlier that the government planned low-key celebrations.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that President Buhari will depart Nigeria for South Africa a day after the celebrations.
A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu in a statement on Tuesday, said the visit was in response to an invitation by South African leader, Cyril Ramaphosa, to discuss welfare of Nigerians, and to enhance the relations between both countries.
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The Shehu stated that during his trip, Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in South Africa with a view to reassuring them of Nigeria’s government commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property and promoting peaceful co-existence.
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