The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The committee will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and executing all approved programmes for the milestone event. Speaking during the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, underscored the importance of unity and patriotism in celebrating Nigeria’s journey as a nation.
“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 we have overcome them,” Akume stated.
He further noted that the independence celebration goes beyond reflecting on the past, describing it as a call to action for the future. According to him, “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 building a nation where every citizen feels valued and empowered to contribute their quota to the goals and aspirations of the country.”
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the 65th anniversary programme will commence with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The celebration continues with a Juma’at Service and women’s activities on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Other highlights include youth events and a historical arts exhibition on Saturday, September 27, 2025, followed by a church service on Sunday, September 28, 2025. A public lecture is scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, while the climax of the commemoration will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, featuring the presidential broadcast and the Independence Day Parade.
As part of the activities, Akume also unveiled the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project workstation, an initiative of CherryAfrica Magazine in collaboration with the Office of the SGF. The state-of-the-art studio will host interview sessions with top government officials, highlighting their roles in nation-building in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The project, according to Akume, is designed to serve as a national compendium, offering a comprehensive archive of Nigeria’s historical milestones, from the pre-colonial and colonial eras to post-independence. It will spotlight the economy, governance at all levels, the Renewed Hope Agenda, and other crucial sectors.
The SGF was the first guest in the interview series, where he encouraged Nigerians to celebrate six and a half decades of progress while maintaining faith in their leaders.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, secured independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. Today, it remains one of the most influential nations on the continent and across the globe.
What You Should Know
Nigeria will celebrate its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025, with a week-long series of events.
The Federal Government has set up a dedicated committee to oversee the celebrations, which will highlight the nation’s achievements and future aspirations.
The programme will also feature the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project, aimed at documenting the country’s historical and developmental journey.
