Susan Abayomi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary in Lagos on October 1 as the Federal Government prepares for a low-key celebration of the country’s independence.
The development comes days after the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, publicly advised the President against participating in an Independence Day parade, warning that proceeding with such an event could expose the country to danger.
Ayodele made the remarks in a video shared on social media, urging President Tinubu to cancel the planned parade. He did not provide specific details or evidence concerning the nature of the danger he referred to.
The Federal Government’s decision to hold a low-key anniversary programme, however, had already been announced as part of the arrangements for the 2026 Independence celebration.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the celebration, said the anniversary would be observed on a modest scale given the prevailing circumstances in the country.
The programme includes a World Press Conference, Juma’at Service, Church Service and an Independence Day Public Lecture, culminating in a nationwide broadcast by President Tinubu on October 1.
Reports indicate that President Tinubu arrived in Lagos ahead of the anniversary and is expected to return to Abuja after the celebration.
Ayodele had repeatedly called on the President to pay particular attention to security during the month of October and specifically advised against participating in an Independence Day parade.
In one of his recent messages, the cleric urged Tinubu to take the warning seriously and avoid the parade, although his claims remain predictions and have not been independently established as factual security assessments.
The 66th Independence anniversary provides an opportunity for the country to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, as well as the challenges and progress recorded over the years.
The Federal Government has said the anniversary activities are intended to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines while providing an opportunity to assess Nigeria’s progress since independence.
