The people of Borno State for the first time in twelve years marked Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary.The 62nd Independence Anniversary was celebrated with government activities in Maiduguri as it was in 2008 the last one was celebrated.
With the eruption of the Boko Haram conflict in 2009, public gatherings, including celebrations of national days were suspended for security reasons.Former Governor Ali Sheriff was the last governor to mark the Independence Anniversary, in 2008, when Nigeria clocked 48.
Today, many parts of Borno have become relatively safe due to the efforts of soldiers who continue to battle the insurgents.On the 62nd independence anniversary, the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, mounted the dais and drove on the parade van to take a salute from the Nigeria police parade team during the colourful occasion .
The deputy governor, who represented Governor Babagana Zulum, said the day was “worthy of celebration by all well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad.”He said the “auspicious occasion could not hold in Borno State for quite some time, due to the peculiar security challenges bedevilling the state.