On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and other distinguished guests, commemorated Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary with a grand celebration.
The festivities culminated in a military parade held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marked by a lively atmosphere and a significant presence of security personnel. Plain-cloth operatives and members of the Nigerian Police were deployed to ensure safety, while officers and soldiers from the elite Brigade of Guards maintained vigilance throughout the event.
Upon his arrival at 10 AM, President Tinubu was welcomed by pipers and proceeded to inspect the Quarter Guard, composed of troops from the Guards Brigade. He then ascended to the saluting dias, where he received the national salute as the Special Guest of Honour, officially launching the celebration.
The 64th anniversary featured a ceremonial change of guards and a Nigerian Armed Forces Colour patrol, showcasing the nation’s military pride. A highlight of the event was the Guards Brigade’s Silent Drill Platoon, which captivated the audience, including cabinet ministers, presidential aides, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Guests were also treated to a series of performances by a combined mass band and cultural troupe, representing the country’s six geopolitical zones and celebrating Nigeria’s rich diversity.
The ceremony concluded with President Tinubu signing the anniversary register, marking a significant moment in the nation’s journey toward unity and progress.