To mark the country’s 62nd Independence Anniversary, the Nigerian Government has declared Monday, October 3 a public holiday.
Declaring the public holiday on Wednesday, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, congratulated Nigerians on this year’s Independence anniversary celebration and reiterated the government’s commitment to tackle and eradicate all forms of challenges including political, and socio-economic problems facing the country.
Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior, in a statement quoted Aregbesola as saying, “The world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation. However, I am assuring us all that the government will not abandon the people, but will continue to confront all these challenges with all the might at our disposal until respite comes our way.”
According to Aregbesola, it is important for Nigeria to celebrate its 62nd Independence anniversary.
He said, “A country of over 200 million people whose natural talents, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are; Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in the academia, science and technology, business, innovation, music, entertainment, fashion or culture.”
He noted that though Nigeria is going through challenges, especially regarding security, the “challenges are temporary and do not define us”.
“We are defined by the greatness of the Nigerian people in our diversity, strength, ingenuity and resilience,” he said.
“We shall overcome all the challenges. A time is coming when we shall look at this period in retrospect and give thanks to the most high for the stormy waters we have waded through and the triumphs we have recorded over the challenges that look so huge and gargantuan today.”