In Nigeria, the federal government has declared Friday, October 1, 2021 a public holiday to mark the celebration of the nation’s 61st anniversary of independence, meanwhile people are protesting in Abuja.
A celebration amid a storm of religious conflict and the emergence of the jihadist sect of Boko Haram, leading to protests against poor governance on Independence Day.
On Wednesday the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, congratulated “all Nigerians on this year’s celebration of the country’s 61st independence and assures all of government’s commitment to tackle and eradicate all forms of challenges –be it political, socio-economic and all diverse problems.”
“A country of about 200 million and above people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are,” the minister said in a statement.
“Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in academia, business, innovation, music, movie, entertainment, fashion and culture. We are indeed the leading black nation in the entire world and no doubt Africa’s pride and beacon of hope”,he added.
On October 1, 1960, the west African country became independent. It broke away from the British crown and became a Federal Republic in 1963.
Source: AfrikPage