The Rivers State Government has cancelled the October 1 Independence Day parade earlier scheduled to hold at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, in celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Special Services Bureau under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, and signed by Dede Sampson Friday.
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the parade was in line with a directive from the Federal Government, which had earlier announced the cancellation of the national parade in Abuja. However, the federal authorities did not give specific reasons for the move.
“In compliance with the pronouncement of the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the parade scheduled to hold at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, on October 1, 2025,” the statement read.
While the Federal Government’s decision sparked speculation among citizens, no official explanation has been offered for the move, leading to uncertainty about the nature of this year’s celebrations across many states.
The Rivers State Government expressed regret over any inconvenience the cancellation may cause residents and participants who were already preparing for the annual event.
“We sincerely apologise to the good people of Rivers State for any inconvenience this decision may have caused,” the statement added.
Independence Day parades are typically marked by colourful displays, school children marching, military parades, cultural performances, and speeches by top government officials, reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence from Britain in 1960.
However, in recent years, security concerns, political tensions, and economic challenges have sometimes led to the scaling down or outright cancellation of public celebrations, especially in key cities.
This year’s decision adds to the growing list of low-key Independence Day observances across the country. While there is no parade, the government is still expected to release an official message to mark the day.
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, citizens are expected to reflect on the country’s progress and challenges, even as they commemorate the occasion in more subdued settings.
