Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has inaugurated a committee on Nigeria’s 61 years independence anniversary.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has Inaugurated a committee on Nigeria’s Sixty One years anniversary.
In his speech, the SGF said “I am very pleased to warmly welcome and congratulate you for your membership of Nigeria’s Sixty First Independence Anniversary Inter-Ministerial Committee.
“For those of us that have been members of previous Independence Inter-Ministerial Committees, you would notice that this is a much leaner composition.
“The idea behind this is to begin to demonstrate, in visible terms, Mr. President’s desire to use minimal resources (financial, human and material) to achieve optimal results.
“Honourable Ministers, distinguished members of the Committee, it is with the above in mind that Mr. President approved a 12-member Inter-Ministerial
Committee for the year 2021 Independence Day celebration comprising: Secretary to the Government of the Federation- Chairman, Minister of Information and Culture, Member, Minister of Interior, Member, Minister of FCT, Member, Minister of Investments, Trade and Industry, Member, Minister of Health, Member, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General, Department of State Service, Commander, Guards Brigade, Member, Permanent Secretary, State House Member, Liaison with Abuja National Mosque and State Member, House Security), Permanent Secretary,General Services Office – (Liaison with Ecumenical Centre), Permanent Secretary, Political and Economical affairs Office, Member Secretary.
“The Terms of Reference for the Inter-Ministerial Committee are:
(i) Plan, organize and execute all approved activities befitting the 61st Anniversary Celebration on October 1st;
(ii) Coopt any organization(s)/person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programmes
(iii) Document for posterity, all planned activities for the Anniversary; and
(iv) Carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the programme.
4. As some of us may recall, the 60th Independence Anniversary was premised on a one year celebration, spread over the period to end by September 30th 2021. In this wise, we would be implementing some activities,as designed by the sub-committee to end the 60th Anniversary celebration.
5. Therefore, the proposed activities for the 61st Anniversary include the following:
(a) Concluding activities for Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary, including an Awards Night Friday, 3rd September 2021;
(b) Church Service Sunday, September 26th, 2021;
(c) Jumma’at Prayers Friday 1st October, 2021; and
(d) National Broadcast and Independence Day Parade Eagle Square Friday, 1st October
6. Last year, the theme for the 60th Anniversary celebration was “TOGETHER” and you would all agree this theme seems to speak to the events we have witnessed in the past one year. In spite of all odds, we still remained together as a Nation and are gradually addressing the isues that tend to separate us.
7. As we prepare to articulate specific details of the 61st Anniversary celebration, it is also important that we come up with an appropriate theme that would speak not only to the present situation in the country but most importantly, the positive trajectory that we are all working towards for the greater benefit of all Nigerians.
8. The Secretariat had been meeting with the Secretaries of the various subcommittees and has given guidelines for their respective budgets. Your Secretaries would thus meet with you to finalise the budget for subsequent harmonization.
9. I, however, wish to advise that you thoroughly scrutinize the budget to ensure that we get value for money.
10. I am confident that members of this committee would come up with innovative means of celebrating our 61st anniversary, within the constraints placed by the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as limited budgetary provision.
11. On this note, it is my honour and privilege to inaugurate the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria’s Sixty First Independence Anniversary and declare opened this inaugural meeting.
12. I look forward to working with all members in delivering on our mandate.
13. I thank you most sincerely for your attention.
