President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Abuja presided over the celebration of Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary with former Head of State, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and other personalities in attendance.
The low-key event, which took place at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, was Buhari’s second independence celebration since he took over the leadership of the nation on May 29, last year.
President Buhari, who appeared in white traditional attires of Babbar Riga with a white cap, inspected the quarter guards before marching to the Presidential Villa forecourt to receive national salute.
The national salute was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
The Christian prayers were offered by the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Christian Association of Nigeria, Israel Akonji.
The Deputy Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Taofeeq Abdulazeez, offered the Muslim prayers.
The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and colour, while weapons and uniforms were inspected to ensure conformity with military standards by the Commander, Brigade of Guards and Brigadier-General Musa Yusuf.
Shortly after the ceremony, Buhari signed the anniversary register and released 56 pigeons from a cage.
President Buhari, assisted by Vice President Osinbajo; Senate President Bukola Saraki; Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mahmud Mohammed; and some top dignitaries, cut the anniversary cake.
Others who attended the ceremony were former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, retired General Oladipo Diya; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.
Others were Service Chiefs, top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, Saraki expressed confidence that the nation’s economy would bounce back.
According to him, the National Assembly has already sent a 20-point agenda to the executive to help Nigeria come out of recession.
He added that the National Assembly had started implementing four points of the agenda.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
