Nigeria Celebrates 62nd Independence Anniversary

Nigeria on Saturday celebrated her 62nd independence anniversary in a grand style at the popular Eagle Square, located within the three arms zone in the heart of the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Saturday’s event culminated a series of activities organised by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in commemoration of the country’s national day celebration.

President Muhammadu Buhari was the Special Guest of Honour and review officer for the parade that took place.

That was followed by the giving of three hearty cheers given to President Buhari by the military on parade and a rendition of the National Anthem signaled the end of the event.

The epoch making event officially started with the arrival of the number one citizen and chief celebrant at 09:00 GMT, who was ushered in by the back pipers and the presidential despatch riders, who made a spectacular display on motor bikes.

Soon after a rendition of the National Anthem, the President was invited by the parade commander, Lt. Col. Yusuf Hassan, inviting him to inspect the guards on parade.

This was then followed by a special display by men of the Nigerian Airforce, with airmen dropping right in the middle of the Eagle Square arena from a moving helicopter, alongside patrol dogs, depicting how they can rescue captives from danger.

As the occasion gradually came to an end, the ceremonial 21-gun salute, also known as the firing of artillery volleys followed suit, then came the signing of the anniversary register by the President, who presided over the event for the last time as his administration winds down towards May 2023.

Other dignitaries that graced the Independence Day anniversary were former Nigerian leader, Goodluck Jonathan, as well as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police among others.