Oct 1: Buhari ‘grudgingly’ approves N70m

Unlike in the recent past when billions of Naira were spent on Independent Day celebration, this year is going to be low-keyed as President Muhammadu Buhari has approved only N70 million.

The country would mark its 55th Independence Day on October 1.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday said President Buhari reluctantly approved the money saying it ought to have been used to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (Political) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (OSGF), Ibukun Odusote, said the president would have preferred that the money was used to pay workers’ salaries.

“Let me emphasize that this year’s celebration is indeed low-key. This is because the present administration appreciates the economic hardship that Nigerians and indeed the nation is confronted with today.

“To address the situation, government has adopted a general policy to be very prudent in the management of our financial resources. This year’s celebration is therefore, in consonance with the cost saving policy direction of this administration,” he said

Read also: Buhari sets tone for austere governance

He added that the celebration would witness four events which are Jumat prayers, international thanksgiving service, ceremonial change of guards and a children’s party.

According to him, the independence anniversary would kick-off with Jumat prayers on Friday, September 25, at the National Mosque, Abuja and will be followed by interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 27 at the National Christian Worship Centre, Abuja.

There will be ceremonial change of guards at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on October 1 while the Children’s party will be held on Saturday, October 3 at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

He added that the president would also address the nation on October 1.

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