The Nigerian Government will on Friday kick-start activities to mark Nigeria’s 54th Independent anniversary.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, while briefing journalists after the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Mr. Maku said the members of FEC discussed the activities brought to Council by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, to commemorate the anniversary. He said the programme will begin with a Muslim National prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday.

The Muslim prayer will be followed by inter-denominational Christian prayer at the National Christian Centre on Sunday.

On Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan will give out national honours at the International Conference Centre as part of programme marking the anniversary.

Mr. Maku said there will be national broadcast by the President on Wednesday, October 1, by 7.00 a.m., while change of guards ceremony will take place at the Presidential Villa by 9.00 a.m. An Independence Anniversary Dinner
will be held at the State House Banquet Hall by 7.00 p.m. same day.

Keeps mum on Shekau’s death

The Information Minister declined to comment on the reported death of the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, during a battle with the military.

When asked if Mr. Shekau is dead, Mr. Maku said he thought that was less important than ensuring the terrorists lay down their arms.

He also said he had no new information on the fate of the over 200 Chibok secondary school girls abducted in Borno on April 14 by the Boko Haram.