President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remarked that cancelling Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade allowed him to enjoy a restful morning, noting he had a “good sleep and nice breakfast” before attending official engagements later in the day.
Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, the President described the day as well spent, reflecting on the benefits of breaking away from the usual Independence Day traditions.
“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade, and everything,” he said.
“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.”
The Federal Government had earlier announced the cancellation of the traditional military parade, which had been scheduled to mark the anniversary.
At the event, President Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with the decision to rename the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. He described the literary icon as one of Nigeria’s most valued national treasures and a global asset.
“It couldn’t have been anything else, and I know definitely you (Mr Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,” Tinubu added.
