The Federal Government says activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026, will be low-key, with events focused on honouring the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said this at the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the anniversary in Abuja, where he urged members to work with urgency ahead of the October 1 celebration.
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 Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
He said the progress recorded since independence was built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists, stressing the need to remember their sacrifices and enduring legacies.
According to him, the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the President Bola Tinubu administration to showcase its achievements and highlight ongoing efforts to reposition the country through its reform initiatives amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.
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The programme of activities will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by a Juma’at service on Friday, September 25.
A church service is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, while an Independence Day public lecture will hold on Wednesday, September 30. President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The IMC, chaired by the SGF, comprises the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Other members include the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, 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.
The committee also includes the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare; Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Peter Fashedemi; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, John Chidiebere Ezeamama.
Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
Akume said the committee’s terms of reference include planning, organizing and executing all approved activities for the October 1 celebration, as well as co-opting organizations or individuals considered relevant to the successful implementation of the programme.
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