President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday led Nigerians from various social strata to celebrate the nation’s 62nd Independence Day Anniversary parades at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
The event, which was marked with all sorts of activities, including military drills and artistic performances, was graced by many dignitaries including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
Others were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; ministers; the service chiefs and other heads of security and intelligence agencies; members of the National Assembly; and members of the diplomatic corps.
Informant247 reports that, the day’s ceremony kicked off with the National Anthem, some minutes after Buhari arrived at the Eagle Square, inspected the guards on parade, before proceeding to the VIP box to observe the parade processions.
Major highlights of the celebration at the Eagle Square included parades and march pasta by the nation’s military forces, some paramilitary outfits, cadets of the Nigeria Military School (NMS), members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and others.
The Nigerian Air Force did a couple of flying displays with some of the aircrafts recently procured for the various anti-terrorism fight, as well as minutes of cultural displays by the cultural troupe.
However, the ceremony was closed with the signing of the anniversary register by President Buhari, three hearty cheers by the parade and finally the firing of 21 artillery volleys for the national salute, the National Anthem and the march off of the parade.
It was observed that all roads linking the Federal Secretariat Complex were properly monitored by security personnel, to ensure a hitch-free ceremony in Abuja.