THE Federal Government has opted for a low-key celebration of the 56th independence anniversary in view of the current harsh economic realities in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday approved the programme of events to commemorate the independence anniversary.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, who conveyed this in a statement in Abuja, said President Buhari would mark the event at the Presidential Villa with the Service Chiefs, top government functionaries and other prominent Nigerians based on strict invitation.
According to the programme of the event, inter-denominational thanksgiving church service would be held on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 4.00 pm at the National Worship Centre, Abuja.
The Public Lecture and Jummaat prayers would also be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the National Mosque, Abuja.
The statement signed by the Director, Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, said President Buhari would perform the Presidential Change of Guard on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 3.00 pm at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja.