Buhari, Jonathan, Gowon mark 60th Independence Anniversary in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, led other prominent Nigerians including former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) to observe special performances commemorating the 60th Independence Day Anniversary.

Other top government functionaries including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also took part in the low-keyed Independence Anniversary celebrations which took place at the Eagles Square, Abuja. The celebration featured mainly military parades among other entertainments.

The president upon arrival at the venue, immediately mounted the soap box to review the mounted parade after which he was escorted to inspect the guards in 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 display of tradition dances and other performances by combined military and civilian artistes.

The high point of the ceremony was the Nigerian Air Force display, which had to be scaled down because of poor weather conditions.

The fly past 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 the fly past was less elaborate than planned because of low clouds at the Eagle Square.

The event closed with signing of the anniversary register by the President, who was accompanied to the signing table by his wife, Aisha; Osinbajo; Jonathan; Gowon; Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.