President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade gave him the rare opportunity to rest and enjoy a “nice breakfast.”

Recall that the Federal Government had on Monday announced the suspension of the annual parade, saying the decision was not to diminish the significance of the October 1 anniversary but to mark the milestone in a modest way.

Speaking on Wednesday evening at the unveiling 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,” the Nigerian leader told the audience.

Naijaonpoint reports that the reopening of the iconic edifice, which was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Bankers’ Committee, was attended by top dignitaries.

Those present included the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, after whom the centre was renamed in July 2024.

Tinubu said naming the centre after Soyinka was a fitting honour for a global figure whose writings and activism had 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, describing the playwright as one of Africa’s greatest assets.

Naijaonpoint reports that the cancellation of the Independence Day Parade had earlier drawn mixed reactions from political groups and citizens, with some describing it as a cost-saving decision while others said it robbed the anniversary of its traditional flavour.

However, Tinubu insisted that the modest celebration allowed for reflection and an alternative celebration of Nigeria’s heritage through culture and the arts.