The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Monday and signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary,  Magdalene Ajani.

In the statement, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad, urging them to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.

“He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity,” the statement read.

The minister expressed optimism that with collective cooperation, Nigeria will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development. He also wished citizens a memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.

This year’s milestone anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has cancelled the independence parade scheduled to hold on October 1st to mark this year’s celebration.

Daily Dates Nigeria recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also cancelled military parade in commemoration of the 26th Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, 2025 and on the same day appeared  at a special joint session of the National Assembly.

This is a developing story.

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The theme for Nigeria at 65 underscores the need for unity, collaboration and patriotism among the public sector, private sector, civil society, and the citizenry towards building a nation characterised by sustainable peace, prosperity and progress.

Since achieving independence on October 1, 1960, the nation has successfully navigated difficulties and achieved notable advancements in diverse economic sectors. This necessitates collective efforts to solidify these gains and pursue loftier objectives, aiming to forge a powerful nation for all citizens.

It is expected that Government activities and programmes are to align with the official theme to ensure the message resonates in all areas of our collective national endeavours in the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will hold on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s will address the nation on October 1st at 7am followed by Independence Anniversary Parade.

The post FG Unveils Official Theme for 2025 Independence Anniversary Celebration appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON during the inauguration emphasised on the importance of unity, and patriotism in celebrating the victories and milestones Nigeria has attained.

Director Information to the SGF, Segun Imohiosen in a statement wrote: ‘‘This anniversary is a reminder of where we are coming from and where we are going from here. As a nation, we have faced challenges in areas such as political, economic and social issues but have overcome them. An anniversary is not just a celebration of the past. It is a call for action for the future. We must therefore commit ourselves to build a nation where every citizen feels valued and empowered to contribute his quota to the goals and aspirations of the country’’.

The 65th Independence Anniversary celebration will commence with the World Press Conference on Thursday, 25th September 2025 with the following line-up of activities to mark the national event: Juma’at Service on Friday, 26th September, 2025; Women Activities on Friday 26th September, 2025; Youth Activities and Historical Arts Exhibition on Saturday 27th September, 2025; Church Service on Sunday, 28th September 2025; Public Lecture on Monday, 29th September 2025; while the Presidential Broadcast and 65th Independence Day Parade will hold on Wednesday, 1st October 2025.

As part of the project to mark the independence anniversary, the SGF has unveiled the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project workstation, initiated by CherryAfrica Magazine in collaboration with the Office, designed with a state-of-the-art studio for interview-Tv Series with the top Government functionaries at all levels on their respective milestones in nation building, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The interview session kick-started with the SGF’s interview, where he urged Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s achievements for the past 65 years and to also repose confidence in their leaders.

The national compendium would serve as a comprehensive repository of information on the nation’s milestones and development trajectory cutting across the pre-colonial, colonial and the post-colonial Nigeria with emphasis on the MDAs, the economy, the three tiers of Government, the Renewed Hope Agenda and other key sectors of the economy.

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In his opening remarks, Sen. Akume represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the significance of reflecting on the nation’s founding fathers contributions and sacrifices. He noted that this year’s celebration provides an opportunity for the government to showcase its achievements despite socio-economic challenges.

The celebration activities, scheduled from September 26 to October 1, 2024, include:

– *World Press Conference*: Thursday, September 26, 2024

– *Juma’at Service*: Friday, September 27, 2024

– *Church Service*: Sunday, September 29, 2024

– *Presidential Broadcast*: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

– *64th Independence Day Parade*: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises representatives from various ministries and government agencies, including;

Hon. Minister Budget and Economic Planning

Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation

Hon. Minister of Interior

Hon. Minister Foreign Affairs

Hon. Minister of the FCT

Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination

Senior Special Assistant to the President, Social Events

Inspector-General of Police

Director-General, Department of State Services

Commander, Guards Brigade

Permanent Secretary, General Services Office

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health

Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office

The Terms of Reference for the Inter-Ministerial Committee include:-

i. Plan, organize, and execute all approved activities befitting the Independence Day Celebration on October 1st, 2024

ii. Co-opt any organization(s)/ person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programme

iii. Document for posterity, all planned activities for the Anniversary; and

iv. Carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the Celebration.

This year’s Independence Day celebration will be low-keyed, considering the nation’s current mood.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

The celebration is a significant national event, marked by parades, cultural performances, and reflections on the country’s progress.

The post FG Unveils Low-key 64th Independence Day Celebration Activities appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerians,

I address you today, with a deep sense of gratitude to God and a high level of appreciation to all Nigerians whose tremendous goodwill gave me the opportunity to provide leadership for our great country at one of the trying times in her history.

2.​Conscious that today’s address would be my last on an Independence Day as your President; I speak to the millions of Nigerians, who believed in me, propelled and stood by me in my quest to bequeath a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve their lives desires in a peaceful atmosphere.

3.​I am honoured to say that my story in the annals of Nigeria’s history is no household secret. My various attempts, failures and eventual success in being elected as a Democratic President in 2015 was made possible by the majority of Nigerians.

4.​ When you elected me, I readily acknowledged that the tasks before me were daunting but surmountable because of the growing national consensus that our chosen route to national development was democracy.

5.​This democracy was to be anchored on a clear understanding, application and the principles of separation of powers supported by a reformed public service that is more effective.

6.​I then pledged to Improve the Economy, Tackle Corruption and Fight Insecurity and this was further strengthened by my commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years as the central plank of my second term in 2019.

7.​To the Glory of God and His Grace as well as the commitment and passion displayed by many Nigerian supporters, we have made appreciable progress in these areas but not yet at our destination.

8.​Mindful of the task before us, we took some time in settling down and we re-positioned the Economy by providing strategic interventions in core areas at both the Federal and Sub-National levels.

9.​One of the areas where we have made significant progress is in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development.

10.​We strengthened the Institutions for tackling corruption and also cultivated international support, which aided the repatriation of huge sums of money illegally kept outside the country.

11.​The increasing number of prosecutions and convictions, with associated refunds of large sums of money is still ongoing. Furthermore, we would continue to block opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.

12.​In order to address Insecurity, we worked methodically in reducing Insurgency in the North East, Militancy in the Niger Delta, Ethnic and Religious Tensions in some sections of Nigeria along with other problems threatening our country.

13.​Our efforts in re-setting the economy manifested in Nigeria exiting two economic recessions by the very practical and realistic monetary and fiscal measures to ensure effective public financial management. In addition, the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account and cutting down on the cost of governance also facilitated early exits from recessions.

14.​Fellow Nigerians, this administration removed several decades uncertainty for potential Investors in the Oil & Gas sector with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. This landmark legislation created opportunities for foreign investments in addition to improving transparency in the management of the sector.

15.​Our administration has given the desired priority to the Agricultural Sector through a series of incentives to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that resulted in creating millions of jobs. Leading this initiative, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in a number of areas as well as the Anchor Borrowers Programme had created the required leverages for Nigerians towards self-sufficiency in food and the necessary attraction for farming as a business.

16.​The growing contribution of non-oil exports, especially in agriculture, information and communication technology as well as the performing arts to our national economy will enhance our foreign exchange earning capacity.

17.​We are confronting current economic challenges such as debt burden, growing inflation, living standards and increasing unemployment accentuated by our growing youthful population. These problems are globally induced and we would continue to ensure that their negative effects are addressed in our policies.

18.​This administration will continue to ensure that our fiscal policies are supported by a robust and contemporary monetary policy that recognises our peculiarities in the midst of the growing global economic difficulties.

19.​This is evidenced by the recent Monetary Policy Committee decision to maintain all parameters, especially interest rates and marginally increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 14% to 15.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 27.5% to 32.5%. It is projected that this would further insulate our economy from over exposure to uncertainties at the international market by restraining growth in core inflation.

20.​As we continue to de-escalate the security challenges that confronted us at inception of this administration, newer forms alien to our country began to manifest especially in the areas of kidnappings, molestations/killings of innocent citizens, banditry, all of which are being addressed by our security forces.

21.​I share the pains Nigerians are going through and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition as well as strengthen the security agencies to enable them to deal with all forms of security challenges.

22.​At the inception of this administration in 2015, I provided the funding requirements of the security agencies which was also improved in my second tenure in 2019 to enable them to surmount security challenges. We will continue on this path until our efforts yield the desired results.

23.​ As we put in place all measures to ensure that Nigeria takes her place in the Comity of Nations, we recognize the importance of a well-educated populace as a panacea to most of the challenges we face.

24.​We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed with opportunities for life-long achievements.

25.​I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to re-iterate my call for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the classroom while assuring them to deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available. This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over eleven years.

26.​The Federal Government will continue to mobilize resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that our citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations in view of the fact that education is a leading determinant of economic growth and employment generation.

27.​Fellow Nigerians, we have also improved our health facilities, especially during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted commendation of the global community.

28.​As you are aware, Nigeria was one of the countries that defied global predictions of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of our resilience, commitment and passion with which we individually and collectively managed the pandemic.

29.​This administration embarked on addressing critical ecological challenges across the country in order to mitigate the impact of Climate Change manifesting in the form of flood, soil erosion, desertification, air pollution amongst others

30.​We will continue to ensure that our infrastructure drive remains the key to Nigeria’s economic growth and for which every Nigerian will feel the impact.

31.​The Federal Government is already expanding ports operations to ensure that they provide opportunities for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

32.​We have also continued to accelerate our infrastructure development through serviceable and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow & increased revenue generation by expanding the tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

33.​To further open up our communities to economic activities, we have continued to boost our railway infrastructure with the completion of a good number of critical railways and at the same time rehabilitating as well as upgrading obsolete equipment.

34.​I am pleased to inform my fellow citizens that besides our emphasis on infrastructural development with its attendant opportunities for job creation, employment generation and subsequent poverty reduction, our focussed intervention directly to Nigerians through the National Social Investment Programme is also yielding benefits.

35.​There is hardly any ward, village or local government in Nigeria today that has not benefited from one of the following: N-Power, trader-moni, market moni, subsidized loans, business grants or Conditional Cash Transfers.

36.​All the aforementioned programmes along with various interventions by the National Social Investment programme, direct support to victims of flooding and other forms of disasters have provided succor to the affected Nigerians.

37.​Fellow Nigerians, no matter what gains we make, without a good governance system anchored on electing credible leaders on the basis of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, our efforts would not be enough.

38.​It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive Electoral Process.

39.​Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee election of leaders by citizens remains the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.

40.​You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states (notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 General Elections.

41.​As we begin the transition process to another democratically elected government, I want to implore all aspirants to conduct issues-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches as well as other negative and divisive tendencies.

42.​I also want to express my wish that we see more female and youth participation in the forth-coming electoral cycle. I am sure that our teeming and energetic youths now realise that violence generally mar elections and so should desist from being used by politicians for this purpose.

43.​Reforms in the public sector are already yielding results especially in the delivery of services. On this note, I urge the general public to demand for citizen-centred services from the relevant authorities.

44.​On the international front, we have continued to take advantage of our bilateral and multilateral platforms to explore cooperation with friendly countries and partners whenever these areas of cooperation are to the advantage of Nigeria.

45.​Fellow Nigerians, in the past few years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of challenges that would ordinarily have destroyed our Nation. However, the indefatigable spirit of the Nigerian people has ensured that we overcome our challenges.

46.​It is in this spirit that I call on all of us to individually and collectively bring to the fore in dealing with all our development issues.

47.​I was called to serve, along with my team, I saw an opportunity to create a better Nigeria which we have done with the support of Nigerians. Almighty God and the good people of Nigeria supported us in laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams.

​I thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The post Buhari Addresses Nigerians At 62nd Independence Anniversary (Full Speech) appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed, who opened the event said: “Exhibitions are a mirror of the society They depict our way of life, realities, dreams and vision for the future. They encapsulate our creative spirit and embody our innate abilitiesto re-invent ourselves, especially because of this pandemic.

“This Historial Exhibition highlights the anniversary’s theme, which is ‘Together’. As you are aware, art functions as a medium of
interpreting society, what is going on around us, our characteristics, our way of life etc. For the Artist, the fad and the superficialities
constitute a constant appeal.

“Our togetherness is inherited from the major cultural streams and is reflected in the diversity of styles. I am glad to note that our artists are not mere imitators. Rather, they work from intimate
understanding, knowledge and experience of local life, which they are part of. Only in this way can Arts be meaningful and fulfil a need to
identify and express ourselves as Nigerians, thus enhancing our attitudes which will help to strengthen our unity.

The post Nigeria At 60: National Independence Exhibition (Pictures) appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami who made the call on Saturday, said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an inclusive National Independence Celebration programme in line with COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.

The Minister disclosed that the theme for Nigeria’s Diamond Jubilee is “Together at 60.”

He said to ensure inclusiveness, the thematic and creative aspects of the event would be designed by Nigerians for Nigeria.

“As the saying goes, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. The Federal Government, therefore, wants to use this opportunity to celebrate our strength as one indivisible country. Also, provide an opportunity for Nigerians to choose their brand and harness the power of our creative minds to create other elements that will form the Brand of the Anniversary.”

The minister said the Sub Committee of the Interministerial Committee would be anticipating a challenge in which they would be looking for talented, critical thinking and creative individuals or teams to produce content for the anniversary.

Pantami urged Nigerians to participate in the challenge as well as vote for the best brand through the challenge portal, https://nigeriaAt60.gov.ng.

He noted that the best brand and concept will be presented to President Buhari and adopted for celebrating the country’s 60th anniversary.

“The winners will also receive prizes, in addition to being part of this epoch-making event.

“As the country eagerly awaits the unveiling of the winning brand and other elements of the celebration, we look forward to the active participation of all,” he said.

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