President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.
The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The address will be aired live on Channels Television and other electronic media platforms.
This will be Tinubu’s third Independence Day broadcast since assuming office on May 29, 2023. According to the Federal Government, the speech forms part of a series of activities for this year’s anniversary, themed “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”
Government officials said the theme highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, and patriotism among state institutions, the private sector, civil society, and citizens in building national peace and prosperity. It also underscores Nigeria’s resilience since independence in 1960 and the need to consolidate achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Other activities scheduled include a Juma’at prayer on Friday, September 26, and an inter-denominational church service on Sunday, September 28. However, the government has cancelled the traditional Independence Day parade earlier slated for October 1.
In a statement, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stressed that the cancellation does not diminish the significance of the milestone, assuring Nigerians that the government remains committed to celebrating the 65th Independence anniversary with “dignity and enthusiasm.”
What you should know
Tinubu’s Independence Day address will outline his government’s vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda as Nigeria celebrates 65 years of nationhood.
The cancellation of the traditional parade marks a shift in this year’s celebrations, though key religious and national events remain scheduled.
