According to a statement by the Secretary to the State
Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the decision was in tune with the directive of the
federal government to have a low-key celebration this year.
The decision by the Federal Government to have a low-key
celebration, according to the statement, was to reflect the mood of the nation,
urging citizens of the state to spend the time solemnly praying for the
country.
The statement reads in part: “Following the directive of the
Federal Government that this year’s Independence Day Celebration should be
low-key, the Ogun State Government has cancelled all arrangements in respect of
the anniversary on October 1st, 2023.
“The decision by the federal government is to reflect the
mood of the nation. The state government enjoins citizens of the state to spend
the time solemnly praying for the country.
“It is the strong belief of the government under the
leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun that the supplications of the people at
this crucial time will be answered by God.
“We seek the understanding and cooperation of all and sundry
as we observe a low-key independence anniversary this year, believing that
better times lie ahead of us as a people”.