Nigeria @ 59: Buhari will improve infrastructure, better economy ― FG

THE Federal Government has rolled out drums for the celebration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with a pledge to bequeath a long-lasting legacy of improved infrastructural facilities and a better economy.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, spoke on Monday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on activities lined up to mark the 59th Independence Anniversary celebration.

He admitted that at 59, Nigeria is still beset with a lot of developmental challenges, noting however that it was the “avowed determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to bequeath to the Nation a long-lasting legacy of improved infrastructural facilities and a better economy across the length and breadth of the country.”

SGF who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Mr Gabriel Aduda, said President Buhari would not rest on his oars but ensure better livelihoods for the Nigerian people.

He said: “We pay tribute to our founding fathers who exhibited patriotism and spirit of nationalism during the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence.

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“The struggle for Nigeria’s independence was not an easy one. It was a a result of intellectual prowess, patriotic zeal, as well as love of country that enabled our forebears to succeed in their struggle.

“Nigeria’s leaders since then have made varied contributions to building our nation state. Above all, efforts have been made to ensure that the country remains united despite diverse challenges which are not un-expected in a multicultural society such as ours.

“Independence Day for us is a joyous occasion, but also a sobering one because we are beset with a lot of developmental challenges looking at how far we have come.

“Ideally we should be far ahead of where we are right now as a people, but never the less President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not resting on its oars, but working to ensure better livelihoods for the Nigerian  People,” Mustapha said.

The SGF said this year’s independence anniversary celebration has a focus on the youth and that a National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit would held at International Conference Centre while a Youth Concert is also scheduled to hold at the National Park respectively.

He said the news conference on Monday, signpost the commencement of the anniversary programme, adding that there would be Juma’at prayer at the national mosque and interdenominational Christian service at National Christian Centre.

All the events, he said would be wrapped up by  Independence media broadcast and Presidential Change of Guards to be held at State House by President Buhari on the Anniversary Day.