President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade allowed him to enjoy a rare moment of rest.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that the Federal Government had earlier announced that the annual parade, scheduled for October 1, would not hold this year.
In a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, officials explained that the cancellation “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos on Wednesday, Tinubu admitted that skipping the parade gave him a stress-free holiday.
“By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast, and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,” he said at the ceremony.
The president, who arrived at the event around 6:24 p.m., described the celebration as a refreshing change from the “monotony” of the usual march-past and military displays.
The refurbished monument, formerly the National Arts Theatre, was renovated by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.
Tinubu first renamed it in July 2024 in honor of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
Tinubu praised Soyinka as “one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria,” noting his immense contribution to nation-building and freedom.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Soyinka himself.
“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. I enjoyed the evening,” Tinubu added, emphasizing that the celebration reflected Nigeria’s culture as much as its politics.