The Federal Government on Tuesday celebrated the nation’s 59th independence anniversary at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

There was also Presidential change of guard from 177 guard battalion to 7th battalion of the guards brigade, marking the occasion at the forecourt of the State House. It was the highpoint of the week-long activities marking the anniversary. The celebration was the first under the second term tenure of the administration of President Buhari.

President Buhari inspected the quarter guards, and then walked to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was earlier ushered to the venue.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila were also ushered to the venue.

At the ceremony were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammad, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello.

Service chiefs and other top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

There was also 21 gun salute in the honour of President Buhari.