President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on October 1, 2023 confer Special Awards on 11 notable Nigerians as part of activities to mark the 63rd Independence Day celebrations of the country.
The Director-Ggeneral of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, confirmed this during a press conference.
He said the award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 5.
Abari said the nominees will be honoured with the Citizenship and Patriots awards in commemoration of the 63rd Independence Day celebration.
He explained that the award is part of the National Orientation Agency (NOA)’s efforts to promote civic education in Nigeria.
Those to be honoured include the Nigerian flag designer, late Pa Taiwo Micheal Akinkunmi ,Naval Rating, Salaudeen Akano, who hoisted the Nigerian flag at midnight to mark the independence of Nigeria in 1960 , Late Commander Onwurah Zonyanuno Chiazor, the commandant under whose order Naval Rating Salaudeen hoisted the flag, John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, P. O. Aderibigbe (all contributed to the lyrics of the country’s National Anthem) Late Benedict E. Odiase – directed the Nigerian Police Band and Late (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adedoyin – the woman who created the National Pledge.
Abari further stated that September 16 of every year has been set aside as National Symbols Day and September 30 as Citizens and Patriots Day.
According to him, Symbols Day marks the date when Nigeria’s Coat-of-Arms and National Ordinance was signed into law in 1960 ahead of Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Meanwhile, the official logo for Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day celebration has been unveiled.
The Director of information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, released the logo in the early hours of Tuesday, September 26.
Nigeria will mark its 63rd Independence Day celebration on Sunday, October 1, having gained independence from the British in 1960. (vitalnewsngr.com)
