Imo State Government says it is rolling out the drums and cymbals in celebration of Nigeria's 64th independence anniversary.
The state Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation , Hon. Declan Emelumba disclosed this on Friday, September 27 , 2024 at a crowded press briefing held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Owerri., the Imo State capital.
He listed the events lined up for the celebration to include; Jumat prayer, already held on Friday September 27 at the state Central Mosque,, Owerri; a Church Service(Mass) to be held at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Control Post, Owerri on Sunday September 29, 2024, by 9:30am.
The Church Service is to be officiated by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji supported by other priests and ministers of God.
The grand finale of the celebration, according to the Commissioner will be on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Ndubuisi Kanu Square (former Heroes Square) in New Owerri, with distinguished and eminent personalities of Imo State origin from various fields of human endeavour in attendance.
Hon Emelumba said: "As you know, it is not easy to attend 64 years of age, even as a person, not to talk of a nation. So the government sees it that this is worth celebrating and we are rolling out the drums and cymbals to celebrate it.
The grand finale, according to the Commissioner will feature military parade by the Armed Forces and match past by school pupils/students, workers as well as various volunteer groups in the state.
He added that the state governor Senator Hope Uzodimma will at the end address Imo people on how far the state has fared.
The Commissioner therefore invited Imo people to fully participate in all the events marking the anniversary celebration which he said the whole idea is to make this year's celebration, exceptional and memorable.
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960 from the British colonial masters following efforts of nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Herbert Macaulay and a host of others.
It was the day the British Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag was hoisted in its place.
