By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Government of Cross River State has rolled out activities to mark the 63rd of Nigeria’s independence in the State.
Nigeria, dubbed as one of the most populous black nations in the world and a giant of the African continent, gained her independence on October 1, 1960 from her colonial master – Britain.
To mark the annual event in the State, in a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information Mr. Erasmus Ekpang on Thursday, September 28, 2023, said the activities will commence on Friday 29th with Muslim ju’mat prayers in Navy Barracks Mosque, IBB Way, Calabar at 2 pm.
That is said to follow with Interdenominational Christian Church Service at Presbyterian Church of Nigeria at Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar on Sunday, October 1, 2023, by 10.00 a.m.
While there will be a ceremonial parade by the Nigeria Police Force, Cross River Command, and other paramilitary organizations at the Main Bowl of the U.J Esuene stadium on Monday, October 2, 2023, by 10 am; followed by cutting of the 63rd Independence Anniversary Cake by Governor Otu.
It added: “Accordingly, His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State is inviting the Deputy Governor, Speaker and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, the State Chief Judge, members of the State Executive Council, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, Service Commanders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Permanent Secretaries, Captains of Industries, Leaders of Political Parties, all Political Appointees, Religious Leaders, our Revered Traditional Rulers, Senior Civil Servants from level 12 and above, members of the Press and the general public, to attend this historic event of the 63 Independence Anniversary in our dear Country.”