The Nigerian government has declared October 1st as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, announced this even as he congratulated Nigerians on the 61st independence.

Aregbesola in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to tackle and eradicate all forms of challenges and all diverse problems.

Part of the statement read: “Our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land, makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope, if we can rally ourselves together to harness our potentials.

A nation of about 200 million and above people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious DIAMOND that we are.

“Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in Academia, Business, Innovation, Music, Movie, Entertainment, Fashion and culture.”

The minister added that Nigeria is indeed the leading black nation in the entire world and no doubt remains Africa’s pride and beacon of hope.