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Tag: Independence anniversary

  • Fed govt inaugurates committee for 65th Independence Anniversary

    Fed govt inaugurates committee for 65th Independence Anniversary

    …as Akume unveils Nigeria @65 compendium workstation

    The federal government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 2025 Independence Day celebration with a mandate to plan, organise, and execute all programmes marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, underscored the importance of patriotism and collective responsibility in nation-building.

    According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume said, “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.

    “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,” Akume said.

    The activities for the 65th Independence Day will commence with a world press conference on Thursday, September 25, followed by a Juma’at Service and Women’s Programme on Friday, September 26.

    Other events include Youth Activities and a Historical Arts Exhibition on September 27, a Church Service on September 28, and a Public Lecture on September 29.

    The celebrations will climax with the Presidential Broadcast and Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

    Read Also: Tacha urges women to pursue financial independence

    As part of the commemoration, the SGF also unveiled the Nigeria @65 Compendium Project workstation, initiated by CherryAfrica Magazine in collaboration with his office.

    The project includes a state-of-the-art studio for an interview-TV series featuring top government officials on milestones in governance and nation-building under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The SGF’s interview inaugurated the series, during which he urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements over the past 65 years while continuing to place confidence in their leaders.

    According to the organisers, the compendium will serve as a national repository of Nigeria’s development trajectory, covering pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras, with emphasis on ministries, departments, agencies, the economy, governance, and other key sectors.

  • Nigeria @64: NANS asks FG to beef up security on campuses

    Nigeria @64: NANS asks FG to beef up security on campuses

    As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has charged  the Federal Government  to beef up security in all campuses across the country. 

    NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, who led several Nigerian students on an solidarity march today in Abuja commended the FG for the student loan scheme as well as the  CNG buses donated to students to ease transportation in all Nigerian campuses.

    He said they are not in support of any move to destabilise the country but to lend support to the FG and also pray for the success of the Bola Tinubu Administration. 

    Emonefe emphasised the significance of Independence Day, recalling the struggles and sacrifices of Nigeria’s forefathers who fought against colonialism. 

    He noted that while the country has made progress, there’s still much to be done, and it’s essential for citizens to rally around their leaders and country.

    Emonefe lamented that many Nigerians take their independence and existence as one country for granted, forgetting the brutish and merciless life lived by their grandfathers under colonialism. 

    Read Also: Nigeria@64: Let us recommit ourselves to building a country of our dreams – Tonto Dikeh

    He stressed that supporting leaders is essential, even when disagreeing with their policies, as their failure is a collective one.

    He said: “In line with our desire to bolster a sense of pride in our country, especially among our students population, who are the future leaders, the national leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) plans a nationwide campaign to promote patriotism.

    “As the former American president and sage, John F Kennedy famously said in his inaugural speech as the 35th President of the United States, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country’.

    “These events are meant to express pride in our country, express gratitude to God for our survival despite all challenges and celebrate the milestones we have achieved. It is also a statement that we Nigerian students will not join forces with negative people who have evil intentions against this country. We cannot be deceived into putting our house on fire over whatever guise.”

    He emphasised that true patriotism involves supporting leaders while expressing reservations over specific actions or policies.

  • NBA to politicians: Don’t pollute judiciary with do-or-die politics

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Monday warned politicians not to pollute the judiciary in a bid to achieve political power by all means.

    It said leaders must be reminded that the quest for offices must not divide the people or lead to violence and deaths, but should unify people and yield dividends of democracy.

    In a statement by its president Paul Usoro (SAN) issued to mark Independence Day, the association said do-or-die politicians must not be allowed to debase the temple of justice ahead of next year’s general election.

    “Politics must not be our bane; it must be for us, a unifying force and the vehicle for our prosperity and enhanced living standards. These are the critical issues that must occupy our leaders’ minds on this Independence Anniversary day and beyond.

    “Politics must not be allowed to debase our temple of justice and the rule of law in our country. Our judiciary and the rule of law must remain sacrosanct,” NBA said.

    The lawyers’ body noted that the absence of rule of law is anarchy and a descent into abyss, adding that lawyers and the Bench must do their part to build confidence in the Judiciary.

    NBA said: “We must not in the name of politics and for political reasons pollute our fountain of justice.

    “The judiciary is one institution that has constantly kept our country united through its pronouncements; the decisions of our courts more often than not ward off ethnic strives, political unrests, chaos, bedlam and riots – the fingerlings of anarchy.

    “It is seemly as well that we, as workers and ministers in Nigeria’s temple of justice – ranging from their Lordships to lawyers and other stakeholders in the justice sector – constantly remind ourselves of the need to uphold the core values and sanctity of our noble profession in and through our words, deeds, actions and conducts, at all times.”

    NBA said Nigeria cannot continue to make excuses for its underdevelopment, and called for better management of the country’s abundant resources.

    “In making excuses for our 58-year old country, we often fall back on the arcane saying that ‘Rome was not built in a day’ and that a country’s journey to maturity takes longer than that of an individual or a person.  That is not true or correct.

    “Singapore, illustratively, attained self-government in 1959 and became an independent and sovereign nation in 1965 after the collapse of its merger with Malaysia in 1963 and, as at date, that country is miles ahead of Nigeria in terms of development.

    “Yes, Singapore does not have our population size and diversity with its attendant challenges, but it also does not have the gamut of our natural resources ranging from mineral resources, fertile arable land, a pool of talented citizens who continuously make us proud outside Nigeria.

    “What has consistently been lacking in our country is, perhaps, the ability to coalesce these abundant resources and talent which, it must be emphasised, can be found in all the nooks and crannies of this great country, into a unified and productive whole that could and would easily turn Nigeria into the figurative Eldorado and, in the process, turn our diversity into strength and our abounding population into a productive work force.

    “These are reflections that must today occupy the minds of our leaders, of all strata, as we mark 58 years of Nigeria’s independence and declaration as a sovereign nation.

    “This is also particularly apposite as we enter another season of National Elections, the precursor of which has been the recently conducted Osun State Governorship Election.

    “With that in mind, our leaders need to consciously resolve, on this Independence Anniversary day of our nation, to make a difference in the lives of our people.

    “Governments at all levels must renew their pledges to work for the betterment of the lives of our people thereby recording tangible dividends of independence for the Nigerian people,” NBA said.

    The association praised the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for calling off its warning strike on the eve of independence anniversary.

    “Their maturity in calling off the strike should not be misunderstood as a lack of merit in labour’s demand for an increased minimum wage, from the stagnant N18, 000.00 that takes no account of inflationary and living condition trends.

    “It is our hope and expectation that the government negotiators will continue apace with the labour negotiations, notwithstanding the fact that the strike has been called off and, in the process, achieve a resolution that the parties could live with,” NBA said.

  • Independence: Niger pardons 287 prisoners

    As part of the 58th Independence anniversary, 287 prisoners have been granted unconditional pardon by the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello.

    Making the announcement in a message to Nigerlites to commemorate Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary, Governor Sani -Bello said the gesture is in spirit of the season and by the virtue of the powers vested in him by section 212 of the 1999 constitution(as amended)

    The 287 convicts pardoned include four prison inmates on death row, two others convicted and kept in prison custody while the death sentence of 20 inmates was commuted to various term of imprisonment; 40 others were discharged while fines were paid for 221 convicts held in various prisons across the state.

    Read Also: Nigeria@58: Independence celebration in Abuja (Videos)

    The Governor directed the Office of the Attorney General as well as the Niger State Council on Prerogative of Mercy to give immediate effect to the pronouncement.

    He then reiterated the resolve of his administration to remain resolute and focused to work for the progress and development of the state adding that “the state government has remained committed to good governance for the collective good of the people.

    “We are committed to making our state better than yesterday so that tomorrow will be more comfortable for ourselves and the next generation”.

  • Group plans prayer for Nigeria at 57

    Group plans prayer for Nigeria at 57

    As part of Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary, Horn of Revival Ministry (H.O.R.M) will on September 29 hold a national praise festival tagged: “The Gathering” to raise a prophetic altar of praise and prayer for Nigeria.

    According to the convener of the event, Pastor Goodheart Obi Ekwueme who serves as the Apostolic Leader of HORM, and as the lead Pastor of Revival House of Glory International Church (RHOGIC) “the gathering” is based on instruction from God to raise a national altar of praise and prayer on behalf of Nigeria as the country celebrates its independence anniversary.

    Several churches under the auspices of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and The Church in the City (TCITC) are all collaborating with the convener of the event.

    Expected at the event are renowned gospel ministers like David G, Freke Umoh, Bolaji Olarewaju, Kingsley Ike, Dunsin Oyekan, Effizee Jaginma and House of Judah.

    The event takes place at the International Conference Centre, Area 11, Abuja.

     

  • Group plans 400-hour praises for Buhari’s recovery, independence anniversary

    Group plans 400-hour praises for Buhari’s recovery, independence anniversary

    TO thank God over the recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari from his ailment, a Christian group, Halleluyah Nigeria, yesterday announced the beginning of a 400-hour praise programme.

    The praise programme, being coordinated by the Chaplain of Villa Chapel, Oluseyi Malomo, is scheduled to start tomorrow.

    Briefing reporters in Abuja, Malomo said the praise programme, which will last for 16 days, is also to commemorate the 57th independence anniversary of Nigeria slated for October 1st.

    The Villa Chaplain noted that similar programme was held last year for 365 hours, which led to answered prayers for the nation’s exit from recession.

    He added that the icing on the cake for the answered prayers was the return of the President from his medical trip from the United Kingdom.

    Malomo said: “A year after that event, and just a few days ago, we received with cheerful hearts the good news that we are now officially out of recession.

    “It is only logical for us to gather together and return our thanks and praise to this God who responds and answers the heartfelt prayers of all Nigerians.”

    Malomo said top government functionaries, including the President and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, are expected to attend the programme scheduled to hold at Sharon Ultimate Hotel and at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

  • 400 hours praise for Buhari’s recovery

    400 hours praise for Buhari’s recovery

    To thank God for answered prayers for the recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari from his ailment, a Christian group, known as Halleluyah Nigeria, on Tuesday announced commencement of a 400 hours praise program.

    The praise program, being coordinated by the Chaplain of Villa Chapel, Oluseyi Malomo, is scheduled to start on Thursday 14th September, 2017.

    Briefing journalists in Abuja, Malomo said that the praise program, which will last for 16 days, is also to commemorate the 57th independence anniversary of Nigeria slated for October 1st.

    The Villa Chaplain also recalled that similar program was held last year for 365 hours which led to answered prayers for the nation’s exit from recession.

    He added that the icing on the cake for the answered prayers was the return of the President from his medical trip from the United Kingdom.

    Malomo said “A year after that event, and just a few days ago, we received with cheerful hearts the good news that we are now officially out of recession.

    “It is only logical for us to gather together and return our thanks and praise to this God who responds and answers the heartfelt prayers of all Nigerians.”

    Malomo said top government functionaries, including the President and his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, are expected to attend the program scheduled to hold at Sharon Ultimate Hotel and at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

  • Buhari, others mark independence anniversary in Aso Rock

    Buhari, others mark independence anniversary in Aso Rock

    The Federal Government on Saturday celebrated the nation’s 56th independence anniversary in a low-key fashion at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    There was also Presidential change of guard to mark the occasion.

    The celebration was the second in the democratic administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, started around 10:00 a.m.

    It replaced the full military parade, drills and entertainments which used to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja, before 2010.

    Since October 1, 2010 when the anniversary celebration was marred by bomb blasts at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan has marked all subsequent anniversaries in Aso Rock.

    The event on Saturday started with the arrival of President Buhari, although he didn’t appear in the ceremonial military uniform as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
    There was also 21 gun salute in the honour of the President.

    The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and color parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

    Shortly after the ceremony, President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from cage and was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.

    The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    A former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice Presidents Alex Ekwueme and Namadi Sambo, service chiefs and other top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

  • Lawani congratulates Nigerians at 56

    Lawani congratulates Nigerians at 56

    …‘The country will reinvent itself’

    Former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Stephen Lawani, has congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 56th independence anniversary, describing it as a major milestone.

    Lawani, who spoke in Abuja, said that notwithstanding the harsh economic situation in the country, freedom calls for celebration and reflection.

    “I think we must congratulate ourselves for Nigeria’s survival despite the challenges from the dawn of independence to this very day. I know it could have been better but we must also thank God that Nigerians are still together in one country, working for a common goal, ” the ex- deputy governor said in a statement issued by his media office.

    “Therefore a day like this brings hope and also reminds us of our tortuous journey to nationhood. It is imperative for us to reminiscent today on the heroic and patriotic pre-independence struggles of our founding fathers, the Civil War, the oil boom, the missed opportunities and the current economic challenges facing us.

    “But our people must not despair even in the midst of all the myriad of challenges because we have what it takes to be great. Nigeria is hugely blessed in both human and material resources and we are too important to fail.

    “If one out of every five black persons in the world is a Nigerian, then we cannot afford not to succeed. We must reinvent ourselves for future generations, for our brothers and sisters within the African continent and even for all black people in the Diaspora. This is what this generation owes the entire Africans and other people of color all over the world and I am confident that it will be achieved in no distant time.”

  • El -Rufai releases nine prisoners

    El -Rufai releases nine prisoners

    Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday freed nine prisoners serving various jail terms in the state.

    The gesture which was in commemoration of Nigeria’s 55th independence was pursuant to section 212 of the Nigeria constitution as conferred on the governor.

    He explained that five out of the nine prisoners were serving sentences of three years and above, three were released on the basis of age, while one secured freedom on health ground.

    The governor added that five condemned prisoners had their death sentences commuted to various prison terms.

    El-Rufai announced the gesture during a colourful parade at the main bowl of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

    He said: “On this occasion, the Kaduna State government decided to extend mercy to prisoners. Pursuant to Section 212 of the Constitution, the prerogative of mercy was exercised in favour of 14 prisoners.

    “The government commuted the death sentences of five convicts, who will now serve prison time. Five prisoners serving sentences of three years and above were released on the basis of good behavior or time served already.

    “In addition, three prisoners were released on the basis on age, while one person was released due to ill health. In doing our duty to show mercy, the government warns that it will not tolerate crime and threats to security.”