President Tinubu Hails Cancellation of Independence Day Parade, Says It Gave Him “Good Sleep” and “Nice Breakfast” as He Commissions Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade as a refreshing change that gave him the opportunity to enjoy a restful morning, a “good sleep” and a “nice breakfast.”

The president made the remark on Wednesday, October 1, during the unveiling of the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

The Federal Government had earlier announced the suspension of the traditional military parade scheduled to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The decision, contained in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, explained that the cancellation “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.” The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, was released on Monday ahead of the October 1 celebrations.

At the Lagos event, Tinubu told guests that he had a peaceful and fulfilling day as a result of the government’s decision.

“I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything. By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,” the president said.

The unveiling of the monument, which commenced around 6:24 p.m., was jointly funded and executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee.

President Tinubu was joined by several dignitaries, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Nobel Laureate himself, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Tinubu recalled his decision in July 2024 to rename the centre in Soyinka’s honour, describing the literary giant as “one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria.”

He praised Soyinka for his immense contributions to literature, nation-building, and the fight for freedom and human rights.

“So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,” Tinubu declared to the delight of the audience.

The ceremony marked both a cultural milestone and a symbolic highlight of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, showing a different tone from the usual pomp of military parades.