By George Ozalla
The Federal Government has formally inaugurated the Inter-ministerial Committee tasked with overseeing the planning and execution of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stressed the importance of unity and patriotism as the country prepares to mark its national milestone.
Akume stated that this anniversary is a reminder of where the nation is coming from and where it is going from here. He noted that as a nation, Nigeria has faced challenges in areas such as political, economic, and social issues but has overcome them. According to him, an anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a call for action for the future.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation urged Nigerians to commit themselves to building a nation where every citizen feels valued and empowered to contribute their quota to the country’s goals and aspirations. Activities for the 65th Independence Anniversary will kick off with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 25, 2025, followed by a Juma’at Service and Women’s Activities on Friday, September 26.
Further events include Youth Activities and a Historical Arts Exhibition on Saturday, September 27, a Church Service on Sunday, September 28, and a Public Lecture on Monday, September 29. The celebrations will culminate in a Presidential Broadcast and the Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The government also unveiled the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project Workstation, a state-of-the-art media hub designed to host an interview series featuring top government officials. The project, initiated by CherryAfrica Magazine in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aims to highlight the roles of government officials in national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The national compendium will serve as a comprehensive repository of information on the nation’s milestones and development trajectory, covering pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Nigeria with emphasis on key sectors of the economy. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, and since then, Independence Day has been commemorated annually with various national events reflecting the country’s journey through periods of political transition, civil unrest, economic reform, and democratic consolidation.
