A New Tradition: President Tinubu Celebrates Independence Day in Lagos
This year’s celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day brought an unexpected twist. For the first time since taking office, President Bola Tinubu did not mark the occasion in Abuja, the capital city where he had previously held his official duties. Instead, he chose to spend the day in Lagos, the city that has always held a special place in his heart.
Last year, Tinubu observed the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, using a modest ceremony that had become a familiar ritual. The event included the arrival of guests, a national salute, anthem, inspection of the guard of honor, a parade, cutting of the anniversary cake, and the symbolic release of white pigeons.
However, on this 65th anniversary, the forecourt of the Presidential Villa was quiet. The planned parade in Abuja was canceled at the last minute, and the President made his way to Lagos, taking the spirit of Independence Day with him.
A Journey from Ibadan to Lagos
The trip began with a visit to Ibadan, the ancient seat of the Oyo Empire, for the coronation of the new Olubadan. By late Friday evening, the journey had transformed into a working visit to Lagos. A statement from the Presidency read:
“President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Friday on a working visit to the former seat of government as Nigeria prepares for a low-key 65th Independence Anniversary. The President moved to Lagos after attending the coronation in Ibadan. While in Lagos, President Tinubu will meet with players in Nigeria’s private sector and senior government officials. He will visit Imo on Tuesday, September 30, to commission projects. As part of the Independence anniversary, the President will also commission the remodelled National Theatre, which has been renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.”
Cultural Celebrations in Lagos
In Lagos, the President unveiled the renovated National Theatre, now officially known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. He also met with private sector leaders and cultural icons. At the ceremony, Tinubu urged Nigerians to treat culture not as a luxury but as a necessity.
He paid glowing tribute to Professor Wole Soyinka, calling him “one of the world’s greatest assets,” and urged citizens to speak positively about their country.
“This is a country of very proud people. We must lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria, put Nigeria first,” he said.
Tinubu commended the Lagos State Governor, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee, which contributed N68 billion to renovate the theatre built in 1976. He tasked Cardoso with setting up an endowment fund for the building’s maintenance. He urged its managers to create jobs, prevent the facility from falling into disrepair again, and preserve it in honor of Professor Soyinka’s legacy.
In July 2024, Tinubu had renamed the theatre after the Nobel Laureate, who was a guest of honor at the event.
“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds. I remember your contribution to our struggle, nation-building and freedom. You are one of the world’s greatest assets. It could not have been anyone else, and I knew you would not disobey this President,” he said.
Additional Activities and Reflections
On Saturday, Tinubu traveled to Jos, the capital of Plateau State, to attend the funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of APC National Chairman, Professor Nantewe Yilwatda Goshwe. While there, he addressed church leaders from across the North at the headquarters of the COCIN Church in Jos. He returned to Lagos the same day.
Last April, the President marked Eid-el-Fitr in Abuja for the first time since assuming office. At the time, it appeared he had overcome his nostalgia for Lagos and had finally settled into spending holidays away from his old base. Until then, he had never spent a multi-day holiday in the Aso Rock Villa. On most major holidays, he would lead his team, like geese on seasonal migration, from the calm of the capital to the bustle of Lagos.
It is now clear: not even a President truly outgrows the pull of home.
