Tinubu Leads Shettima, Others In Magnificent 64th Independence Anniversary Guards Parade

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, led other top government officials and foreign diplomats, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration at the Forecourt of the State House, Abuja.

This year’s event, themed: “Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future” marked in a low-key way, commenced with the arrival of the president, who was the Guest of Honour, accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

According to THISDAY, Tinubu was received at about 10.03 am by military bagpipers, who ushered him into the arena after an inspection of the Quarter Guard mounted by troops of the Brigade of Guards.

Thereafter, the president proceeded to the saluting dais, where he took the national salute as Special Guest of Honour to signify the proper commencement of the event.

The 64th anniversary witnessed a presidential change of guards, which paved the way for a Nigerian Armed Forces Colour Patrol and displays to symbolize Nigeria’s national and military pride.

The segment was followed by a Guards Brigade Silent drill platoon, which wowed guests and other spectators, including ministers, presidential aides as well as members of the diplomatic corps, who had thronged the venue to witness the festivities.

Guests at the venue were also treated to a variety of unique performances by a combined mass band and displays put together by a cultural troupe drawn from the six geo-political zones to depict the country’s cultural diversity.

Tinubu thereafter proceeded to cut the anniversary cake as well as release the anniversary pigeons to symbolize peace, ThisDay reported.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas Tajudeen; Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kubirat Kekere-Ekun; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; members of the Federal Executive Council; National Assembly members and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, Heads of Security Agencies, the Head of the National Intelligence Agency, the Director General of the Directorate of State Service, and the Inspector General of Police.

The event was the second Independence Day anniversary celebration since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

However, across Nigeria, governors also marked the nation’s 64th independence anniversary with accompanying messages, peculiar to their state and country.