President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade gave him rare time to rest and enjoy a “nice breakfast.”
The Federal Government had earlier scrapped the October 1 parade in Abuja. According to a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the move “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.”
Speaking during the reopening of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos on Wednesday, Tinubu said the decision broke the routine of the usual march-past and military displays.
“I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything.
“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.
Tinubu arrived at the event, formerly the National Arts Theatre, at about 6:24 p.m. The renovation was funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Bankers’ Committee.
In July, Tinubu had renamed the cultural monument after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, describing him as “one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria.”
“So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,” Tinubu remarked.
