The Federal Government has reiterated that Nigeria's 60th independence anniversary celebration will be low-key. 

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said this while briefing journalists on Thursday, September 24, in Abuja. 

He however said the decision of the Federal Government was connected to the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world.

“The 60th independence anniversary celebration will be low-key just as the President has already announced. This is not unconnected from the global COVID-19 pandemic which has forced some safety protocols on nations around the world,” he said.

According to the Minister, the celebration will last for a period of one year and end September 31, 2021.

He explained that this doesn’t mean there will be daily activities between October 1 and September 31, but there will be staggered events within the one-year period to commemorate Nigeria’s diamond jubilee anniversary.

Owing to the increase in poverty level and insecurity across the country, including kidnapping, banditry attacks in the Northern region, many Nigerians say there is nothing to celebrate. 

Among other issues arising in the country is the strike threat by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) slated to commence on September 28 over the hike in electricity tariffs and fuel pump price which has not been resolved yet. 

While Nigeria battles the Boko Haram insurgents in the North, secession groups are getting louder. 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Odua Republic agitators have said that they would stage protests on October 1st. 

Read Also: NIGERIA AT 60: IPOB, ODUA AGITATORS TO STAGE PROTESTS ON OCTOBER 1

The IPOB group, founded by Nnamdi Kanu, had declared October 1st, as a Sit-At-home across the Southeastern region to strengthen its fight for an Independent State. 

The Odua Republic agitators on the other hand said they are going to stage a public protest on that day demanding that the Yoruba people want to stand as a nation 

Responding to these, Lai Mohammed faulted the arguments by some schools of thought who believe that there is no reason to celebrate Nigeria at sixty, considering the myriads of challenges facing the country.

He however insisted that the answer to that argument is contained in the theme for the celebration, which emphasises togetherness.

Recall that, President Muhammadu Buhari, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, on September 16, unveiled the logo and theme to commemorate the anniversary. 

The theme of this year’s celebration is Togetherness.