Independence Day is an official national holiday in Nigeria, celebrated on the first of October. It marks Nigeria’s proclamation of independence from British rule on 1 October 1960.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2020, as a public holiday to mark the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians on the celebration of the country’s Diamond Jubilee while giving assurances of the government’s commitment to the socio-economic transformation of the country.
This year’s celebration came in a very difficult period for many citizens, Boko Haram attacks in the northeast, COVID-19 in the Southwest, banditry in the northwest, rape cases in the southeast and the south-south as well as farmers/herders clashes in the north central regions.
In Maiduguri a Radio Ndarason International reporter was on the street to gauge the public opinion on the holiday. Many citizens expressed mixed feelings.
Mohammed Mustapha from Borno State northeast, Nigeria said, governments at all levels are doing their best to make the country better. “The government did well in fight against Boko Haram. Before there are over 14 local government areas were under Boko Haram custody, but with the emergence of this administration, today there is not a single local government area under Boko Haram ,” he noted.
Yagana Ali said, there is improvement in the security sector in the northeast, but still insecurity. The fight against Boko Haram remains a burden because people cannot travel safely, schools remain closed in the rural communities, displaced people are yet to return and farmers cannot access their farmlands.
Ibrahim Ali expressed his appreciation to the government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, “it is obvious the government did well in this aspect, in a situation where countries with advanced healthcare system are still struggling to contain the virus.” But he expressed worries over lack of job creation by the government to engage youths, and called on government to make youth empowerment its top priority.
Meanwhile, this year’s anniversary came five days after Borno State governor’s convoy was attacked by Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) a Boko Haram affiliation in Kukawa local council. 30 people were killed in the attack, including 18 security personnel and top government officials, while many others were injured.
The convoy was attacked while the governor was in Kukawa to resettle residents of Baga town who were displaced by Boko Haram six years ago.
According to the main political opposition in the country, Nigeria needs prayers not celebration.
Responding, the ruling party said, Nigerians have every reason to celebrate because the government performed well in infrastructure, economy, security, COVID-19 and fight against corruption.
