October 1: Presidency invites West African leaders

There are strong indications that only West African leaders would be invited for the forthcoming independence anniversary celebrations on October 1, 2015.

This followed the decision of the Federal Government to make the celebration a low key affair.

Only West African leaders and prominent Nigerians would be invited for the programme which would hold at the Presidential Villa. 

The event would feature Jumat prayers, thanksgiving service, ceremonial change of guards and a children’s party at the Presidential Villa.

President Muhammadu Buhari had approved N70million for the event following dwindling resources.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal informed journalists at a briefing that the President reluctantly approved the money after complaining that he would have preferred that the money was for payment of workers’ salaries.

He said the President had argued that the money was too much to be spent on frivolities such as celebrations when Nigerians are grappling to survive the present day economic stress.