There was tight security in Ilorin, Kwara State capital today as people of the state celebrated the 54th anniversary of Nigeria's independence.

Residents of Ilorin and other parts of the state converged on the metropolitan square in the state capital to mark the occasion.

It was held under tight security as officers of the police force, Immigration, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies manned the venue of the ceremony marked with a match past.

Daily Trust however observed that the event was nearly marred by low turnout of people while Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was represented by his Deputy, Elder Peter Kishira with other government functionaries in attendance.

The governor in his message expressed satisfaction with the level of development in the country and called on Nigerians to support government at all levels.

Meanwhile, a legal luminary Dr. Aliyu Alarape Salman SAN in a chat with Daily Trust expressed worry over the lack of unity and cohesion among citizens of the country, saying government and Nigerians must work hard to "get ourselves united".