President Muhammadu Buhari, has on Thursday, led other Dignitaries, including former Leaders of the country, to observe the special performances commemorating the 60th Independence Day Anniversary of Nigeria,
The performances, mostly Military parades, and other entertainment shows, staged at the Eagle Square, in Abuja, were also watched by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
President Buhari, who joined the event at about 10am, was immediately ushered to the soapbox to review the mounted parade, after which he was escorted to inspect the guards in a parade, in an open car.
The parade was made up of the nation’s Armed Forces, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as the para-Military Forces.
It also witnessed a display of traditional dances, and other performances by combined Military and civilian Artists.
The high point of the ceremony was the Nigerian Air Force display, which had to be scaled down, because of the poor weather condition.
The flypast was led by two Agusta helicopters actively involved in combat operations, one of which bore the banner of the theme of the celebration.
The helicopters were followed in echelon by three Alpha jets, used for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat operations, such as ECOMOG, Northern Mali, Niger Delta operations.
The jets were followed by Air 39ZA, also involved in operations in the North-East and North-West.
The Air Force explained that the flypast was less elaborate than planned, because of low clouds at the Eagle Square, today.
The event closed with the signing of the anniversary register by the President, who was accompanied to the signing table by his wife, Aisha, Osinbajo, Jonathan, Gowon, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Hon. Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Atiku Abubakar, among others.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was however, not not in attendance.
More news later…