The Federal Government declared Monday, October 3, 2022, as a public holiday to commemorate the nation’s 62nd anniversary of independence.
The Federal Minister of Interior of Nigeria, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and, congratulated all Nigerians on the occasion.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Shuaib Belgore, the federal minister assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to addressing all of the nation’s challenges and bringing smiles to the faces of Nigerians and also reiterating Nigeria’s eminent position in the comity of nations and the country’s greatness ahead.
He said, “The world is facing dire economic and security challenges, which have also affected our nation.”
He also added, “However, I can assure you that the government will not abandon the people but will continue to confront all of these challenges with all of the force at our disposal until we find relief.”
“With our warmth, welcoming spirit, and love, as well as our unrivaled human capital and the wealth of our land, Nigeria is unquestionably the leading black nation in the world, Africa’s pride, and a beacon of hope.” If we can band together and realise our full potential, we will be the greatest nation on the planet.
“A country of over 200 million people whose natural talents, grit, and passion sparkle like the precious diamond that we are; Nigerians shine like diamonds in the pack, whether in academia, science, and technology, business, innovation, music, entertainment, fashion, or culture.”
The Minister also urged Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the nation’s challenges and the role individuals can play in addressing them.
He also added while wishing Nigerians a memorable Independence Day that “Though our nation is facing challenges, particularly in security, these challenges are temporary and do not define us,”. This is because, the greatness of the Nigerian people is defined by our diversity, strength, ingenuity, and resilience. and he also reminded them that the founding fathers came together for Nigeria’s independence despite differences in faith, tribe, and tongue.
“We will overcome all obstacles.” “There will come a time when we will look back on this period and give thanks to the most high God for the stormy waters we have waded through and the victories we have recorded over the challenges that appear so huge and gargantuan today,”
The minister, on the other hand, urged Nigerians to avoid violence of any kind and to be security conscious, urging them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency as well as through the N-Alert app for Android and IOS, saying “when you see something, do N-Alert for a prompt response from security agents.”
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