President Muhammadu Buhari today 1st October, 2016 in Abuja presided over the celebration of Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary with former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and other personalities in attendance.
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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, Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf.
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.
Dignitaries at the ceremony include, former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, retired Gen. Oladipo Diya; APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.
Others were; the Service Chiefs, top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, Senate President Bukola Saraki expressed confidence that the nation’s economy would bounce back.
He said that the National Assembly has already sent a 20-point agenda to the executive to help Nigeria come out of recession.
He added that NASS had started implementing four points of the agenda.
(NAN)
