Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day: Low-Key Celebrations Amidst Waning Enthusiasm
Nigeria, a sovereign nation celebrating its 63rd anniversary of independence, is marking yet another ‘low-key’ celebration, the 11th in 13 years. The theme for this year’s Independence Day is ‘Nigeria @ 63: Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity,’ but as announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the event will be “low-key in line with the present economic realities.”
Unlike the past, world leaders have not been invited to attend the ceremony organized by the Federal Government. Additionally, there will be no parade at the Eagle Square, a customary part of the celebration. Instead, the main event is a military parade scheduled for Monday, October 2, at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, starting at 9:00 am.
Low-key celebrations on Independence Day have become commonplace in recent years. The extravagant festivities, marked by colorful parades, outings, concerts, and public performances, have dwindled in significance.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), observes that most Nigerians aged 40 and below do not grasp the significance of Independence Day. He cites a disconnection between younger Nigerians and the historical context surrounding independence. Rafsanjani attributes this to the nation’s current state of affairs, where corruption and poor governance have replaced colonial exploitation.
Security and economic challenges are major factors contributing to the preference for ‘low-key’ celebrations in recent years. The 2010 Independence Day celebration, marking the country’s 50th anniversary, turned tragic after car bombs exploded near the venue, resulting in casualties. In subsequent years, security concerns and cost-cutting measures led to low-key celebrations.
Despite President Goodluck Jonathan’s earlier declaration that the 2014 Independence Day would feature an “extravagant carnival” to celebrate 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation, the event remained low-key.
The 2018 Independence Day celebration marked a return to fanfare at the Eagle Square. However, low-key celebrations persisted in 2019 and 2020, with the latter year citing COVID-19 safety protocols as a reason.
As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence Day, many Nigerians question the significance of the event. Some cite ongoing challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and crumbling infrastructure as reasons for the lack of enthusiasm. The disconnect between the celebration and tangible progress has eroded Nigerians’ interest in marking the occasion.
In light of these challenges, a ‘low-key’ celebration seems prudent, considering the country’s economic woes and citizens’ struggles. The extravagant celebrations of the past have given way to a more somber acknowledgment of Nigeria’s independence.
In summary, Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations have evolved from grand festivities to low-key events due to security concerns, economic challenges, and a growing disillusionment among citizens. While some may mourn the loss of former fanfare, others argue that it reflects the current state of the nation more accurately. Source and visit thedailycourierng for more news