The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration scheduled for October 1, 2025.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said the IMC would be responsible for planning, organising, and executing all approved programmes for the anniversary.
Akume stressed the importance of unity and patriotism, noting that the milestone was both a celebration of the nation’s achievements and a call to action for its future.
“This anniversary is a reminder of where we are coming from and where we are going. As a nation, we have faced political, economic, and social challenges, but we have overcome them,” Akume said. “An anniversary is not just about celebrating the past; it is also about building a nation where every citizen feels valued and empowered to contribute.”
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the anniversary activities will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 25, followed by a Juma’at service and women’s events on Friday, September 26.
Other activities include youth programmes 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 climax with a presidential broadcast and the Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, October 1.
As part of the commemoration, Akume also unveiled the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project, a collaboration between CherryAfrica Magazine and the SGF’s office. The project includes a TV interview series with government officials highlighting their contributions to nation-building under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akume, who featured in the first interview, urged Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s achievements over the past 65 years and to place trust in their leaders.
The national compendium, he added, would serve as a comprehensive record of Nigeria’s historical milestones, economic trajectory, and development strides across all sectors of government.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960
