‘We’re building a new Nigeria’ — Lai unveils activities for 60th independence celebrations

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, says the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is putting the country on a new path of sustainable development.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday to unveil the activities for the 60th independence celebrations, Mohammed noted that since its existence, the country has witnessed a civil war, political crises and “daunting” security challenges.

The minister said the present administration is offering “a new beginning”.

“Some may wonder why Nigeria needs to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee at all, considering the myriad of socio-economic challenges facing the country. And our answer to that is contained in our theme of ‘Together’,” he said.

“For a country that has gone through a bitter, internecine civil war, years of political crisis, daunting security challenges, including religious and ethnic crisis, etc., our unity and our resilience (which by the way is what diamond represents) are worth
celebrating.

“Also, in certain cultures, the age of 60 is seen as the beginning of a new cycle of life, and is usually well marked. For Nigeria as a country, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari offers a new beginning.

“The administration is working assiduously to build a new Nigeria, laying the building blocks for industrial and technological development by building massive infrastructures in the areas of power, roads, bridges, rail etc. and by developing human capital.

“The administration is also fighting corruption, tackling insecurity and diversifying the economy by leveraging ICT, creative industry, agriculture and mining, among others.”

The minister said the 60th independence anniversary celebration would be low-key.

“This is not unconnected with the COVID-19 global pandemic, which has forced some safety protocols on nations around the world. Therefore, the pomp and pageantry that should have marked the celebration will be largely missing,” he said.

“Before I announce the activities that have been lined-up for the Diamond Jubilee, let me say here that the 60th anniversary celebration will be celebrated for a whole year, ending September 30th, 2021.”

Last week, the president unveiled the theme and logo for the 60th independence anniversary in Abuja.