The federal government has declared October 2 a public holiday commemorating the nation’s 63rd independence celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the permanent secretary of the interior ministry, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, on Thursday.

According to the statement, interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

Mr Tunj-Ojo assured Nigerians of the government’s continued commitment to tackling challenges facing the country.

“It is today a known fact that difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated,” said the minister.

The minister, however, said that the government was trying to confront these varied and numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes.

Mr Tunji-Ojo reiterated that the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country was achievable “if we all united.”

While wishing the citizens a memorable independence celebration, the minister assured that President Bola Tinubu’s government, through his ‘Renew Hope’ agenda, would ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes’ past.

A lecture will be held on Friday at the National Mosque Conference Centre at 10:00 a.m., followed by Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1:00 p.m.

Mr Tinubu is also expected to address the nation on Sunday at 7:00 a.m.

There will be an inter-denominational church service on Sunday at the National Christian Centre at 10:00 a.m.

A military parade will be held on Monday at the Presidential Villa, at 9:00 a.m.

(NAN)