The Federal Government has declared Monday October 3, 2022, as public holiday to mark the nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore.
The minister congratulated Nigerians on this year’s celebration and assured of government’s commitment to tackling all the challenges facing the nation and bring smiles to the faces of all the people.
His words”The world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation. However, I am assuring us all that the government will not abandon the people, but will continue to confront all these challenges with all the might at our disposal until respite comes our way”
Aregbesola reiterated the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country if Nigerians work hard at it as a people.
The minister stressed that the warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as unbounded human capital and the richness of the land, make Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride as well as beacon of hope adding that If her people can rally themselves to harness their great potentials, Nigeria shall be the greatest nation on the Earth.
He noted that as a country of over 200 million people whose natural talents, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond,Nigerians are sparkling in the academia, science and technology, business, innovation, music, entertainment, fashion , culture among others
The Minister admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on the challenges facing the nation and the role individuals can play in addressing them.
He urged Nigerians to work hard, shun any attraction to get rich through criminal and other immoral means, saying only through productivity can an individual and the nation create wealth and get rich.
While wishing Nigerians a memorable independence celebration, he reminded them of the fact that the nation’s founding fathers, in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue, still came together for Nigeria’s independence.
He therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and in the diaspora