The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate activities for Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, scheduled for October 1, 2025.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday in Abuja, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, urging citizens to embrace unity and patriotism as the nation marks the milestone.
“This anniversary is a reminder of where we are coming from and where we are going from here,” Akume said.
“As a nation, we have faced challenges in political, economic, and social spheres but have overcome them. An anniversary is not just a celebration of the past. It is a call for action for the future.”
He added that Nigerians must continue to commit themselves to building a country where “every citizen feels valued and empowered to contribute their quota to national development.”
According to the schedule released by the Office of the SGF, the celebrations will begin with a world press conference on Thursday, September 25.
A Juma’at Service and women-focused activities will hold the following day, while September 27 has been designated for youth programs and a historical arts exhibition. A church service is set for Sunday, September 28, and a public lecture will follow on September 29.
The celebration will climax with a presidential broadcast and the Independence Day parade on October 1.
In addition, the SGF unveiled the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project Workstation, a media hub initiated by CherryAfrica Magazine in partnership with the Office of the SGF.
The project will feature interviews with top government officials highlighting their roles in national development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The series commenced with Akume himself, who encouraged citizens to celebrate the nation’s achievements and place confidence in their leaders.
The compendium, according to the SGF’s office, will serve as a repository of Nigeria’s milestones across pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras, with emphasis on government institutions, economic progress, and other key sectors.
Nigeria, which gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, has traditionally marked the anniversary with presidential addresses, parades, cultural displays, and interfaith services reflecting the country’s political and social journey.
