President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries gathered on Tuesday for the Independence Day Parade at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, celebrating Nigeria’s 64th anniversary of independence. Several state governors also hosted their own parades and made statewide broadcasts, emphasizing peace, unity, tolerance, and patriotism.

The President arrived at the venue at 10:10 am, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi, and was welcomed with the national salute and anthem. The event featured a variety of activities, including a Guard of Honour inspection led by Lt. Col. Moshood Yusuf, military drills, and a colorful parade. The parade was marked by a special change of guards ceremony between the outgoing and incoming commanders.

A highlight of the parade was the combined Armed Forces color patrol, which showcased the national colors and regimental colors from Nigeria’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. This was followed by a series of special silent drills performed by the Guard’s Brigade platoon.

The ceremony also included a vibrant cultural display, with troupes from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The display celebrated the country’s diversity and strength, featuring a collaborative effort to create a life-size talking drum called the ‘national treasure.’

President Tinubu concluded the festivities by signing the anniversary register, releasing white pigeons, and cutting the anniversary cake. This year’s theme, “Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future,” underscored the nation’s progress and the importance of collective efforts in overcoming current challenges.

Notable attendees included Vice President Shettima’s wife, Nana Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and various service chiefs and diplomatic officials.

Speaking to State House correspondents, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized the need for unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Bamidele remarked, “Not one geopolitical zone of this country can do it alone. It’s about all of us coming together to make the difference we need.” He also acknowledged President Tinubu’s recognition of the socio-economic challenges facing the nation and reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.

As Nigeria marks its 64 years of political independence and over 110 years as a unified nation, Bamidele called for continued unity in the face of socio-economic and political challenges. Despite the tough times, he expressed optimism that the country would progress and recover, echoing the President’s call for resilience and collective action.