Nigeria@60: As Abuja Celebrates At Eagle Square, Lagos Cancels Parade

As Federal Government is set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Nigeria at the Eagles Square, Abuja, with parades and broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Lagos State Government has shelved any ceremony in respect of the independence anniversary.

As part of activities commemorating the 60th Independence Anniversary of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari will address the nation from the Eagle Square in Abuja, on Thursday, October 1, 2020.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The address is scheduled to hold after the Anniversary Parade.

“The live address will commence after the Anniversary Parade beginning at 10am which will be covered by major television and radio stations especially the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN),” the statement read in part.

The traditional early morning October 1 Presidential Broadcast will therefore not feature on Thursday.

But the Lagos State Government has opted for a low key celebration of the 60th Independence Anniversary due to the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that the planned parade and other activities that involve the gathering of more than 50 people should be cancelled.

According to a communique by the Commissioner for Information, and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the governor congratulates Lagosians on “this auspicious occasion and strongly advises that they should celebrate quietly at home and pray for the country.

“They should also observe the COVID-19 protocols, including wearing of face masks to protect themselves and their loved ones”.

The governor also urged Lagosians not to relax their vigilance against COVID-19 so as not to reverse the gains that the state has made in fighting the disease.

“They are to keep embracing social distancing and washing of hands with soap and water. Anybody who feels unwell should stay indoors and contact health authorities”.

The commissioner statement adds that the police and other security agencies have been directed to ensure that nobody flouts the directives given in the interest of all, especially now that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is warning that a second wave of the deadly disease could occur.