President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade afforded him a rare opportunity to rest properly and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
The Federal Government had earlier announced the suspension of the October 1 parade, clarifying that the decision did not lessen the significance of the anniversary. The announcement was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Speaking at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, Tinubu noted that the evening celebration provided a refreshing change from the usual Independence Day routine.
“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of the march-past and parade. By cancelling the programme, I was able to have a good sleep, a nice breakfast, and look forward to this evening. And the evening is well spent,” he said.
The President, who arrived at 6:24 p.m., was accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.
The Centre, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, was renamed by Tinubu in July 2024 in honour of Soyinka. Its renovation was funded and executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee.
Tinubu lauded Soyinka as one of the world’s greatest assets, commending his lifelong contributions to freedom and nation-building. “It couldn’t have been anything else. I know you would not disobey this president. I said it has to be the Wole Soyinka Centre,” Tinubu remarked.
