Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, others celebrate independence anniversary in Aso Villa

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday led Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other high profile Nigerians to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary which climaxed with a military parade held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Although it was meant to be a ceremonial event, hundreds of high profile guests who sought to access the the gates that led to the venue had a herculean task as they were subjected to intense checks by security agents.
This is as the fourcourt venue for the ceremonies itself was characterised by a heavy detachment of plain-cloth security operatives, men of the Nigerian Police under the eagle eyes of officers and soldiers of the elite Brigade of Guards.
President Tinubu who was the anniversary guest of honour, was received on arrival at 10am by pipers who ushered him into the arena after an inspection of the Quarter Guard mounted by troops of the Guards brigade.
Thereafter, the President proceeded to climb the saluting dias where he took the national salute as Special Guest of Honour to signify the commencement of of the event proper.
The 64th anniversary witnessed a presidential change of guards. This paved the way for a Nigerian Armed Forces Colour patrol and displays to symbolize Nigeria’s national and military pride.
The segment was followed by a Guards brigade Silent drill platoon which awed guests and other spectators including cabinet ministers, presidential aides as well as members of the diplomatic corps who had thronged the venue to witness the festivities.
Guests at the venue were also treated to a variety of unique performances by a combined mass band and displays put together by a Cultural troupe drawn from the six geopolitical zones to depict the country’s diversity.
The event climaxed with President Tinubu signing the anniversary register. The President, joined by Vice President Shettima, leadership of the National Assembly, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), proceeded to cut the anniversary cake and thereafter released pigeons to symbolise peace in the country.