The Rivers State Government has cancelled the 66th Independence Day parade scheduled to hold in the state on October 1, 2026, following the approach adopted by the Federal Government for this year’s national celebration.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, announced the decision in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening.
Wokoma said the state government would instead mark the anniversary in a modest and purposeful manner, in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion and the need to promote national unity.
The statement said the government joined Nigerians at home and abroad in commemorating the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
According to the SSG, the decision to suspend the parade was taken in line with the Federal Government’s approach to this year’s Independence Day celebration.
“Instead, the anniversary will be observed in a modest and purposeful manner, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion and the shared responsibility of building a stronger Nigeria,” the statement said.
The state government urged residents to use the occasion to demonstrate patriotism and reflect on the country’s journey since independence.
It also called on Rivers people to renew their commitment to peace, unity and the progress of the country as Nigeria marks the anniversary.
