Tinubu Says Parade Suspension Gave Him Chance to Rest, Enjoy Breakfast
TEC News|Abuja|3rd October, 2025.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the suspension of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade offered him the rare chance to rest, sleep well, and enjoy a “nice breakfast
The Federal Government had explained earlier that the parade was cancelled not to downplay the October 1 anniversary but to mark it in a more modest way.
Speaking on Wednesday evening at the reopening of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly the National Arts Theatre) in Lagos, Tinubu said he welcomed the change of routine.
“I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything. By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,” Tinubu told the audience.
The historic centre, recently renamed in honour of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, was renovated through funding and supervision by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Bankers’ Committee.
Dignitaries at the reopening included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and Professor Wole Soyinka himself.
Tinubu described naming the centre after Soyinka as a “well-deserved honour” for a global icon whose writings and activism have shaped democracy and freedom in Nigeria and beyond
“So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,” Tinubu said, calling Soyinka “one of Africa’s greatest assets
The cancellation of the parade sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some political groups and citizens praising it as a cost-saving measure, while others felt it diminished the celebration’s traditional flavor.
Tinubu, however, insisted that the modest commemoration offered Nigerians a chance for reflection and a meaningful celebration of the nation’s heritage through culture and the art.
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