FG Says Nigeria’s 66th Independence Celebration Will Be Low Key
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Federal Government says Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary will be marked with a low key programme of activities, beginning with a World Press Conference on Sept. 24 and ending with a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Oct. 1.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who chairs the Inter Ministerial Committee for the celebration, announced the programme on Thursday at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja. Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines and Nigeria’s progress since independence. The statement was signed by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head, Information and Public Relations Department, on Sept. 18, 2026.
Akume said the celebration would also provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements and reform efforts of the present administration amid the socio economic challenges facing the country. He urged members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time before Oct. 1.
The programme includes a World Press Conference on Thursday, Sept. 24, a Juma’at service on Friday, Sept. 25, a church service on Sunday, Sept. 27, an Independence Day Public Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The committee is chaired by the SGF and includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Other members include Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare; Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Peter Fashedemi; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director General, Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
The committee’s terms of reference include planning and executing approved activities for the Oct. 1 celebration, involving relevant organisations or individuals where necessary, documenting the activities and carrying out other assignments required for the programme.
The 66th Independence anniversary will be observed on Oct. 1, 2026, marking 66 years since Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. The committee is expected to coordinate the approved activities ahead of the anniversary.