The Nigerian government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the announcement on behalf of the Bola Tinubu administration, congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the milestone.
He urged citizens to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960, while also calling for continued confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a framework for national rebirth, economic transformation, and shared prosperity.
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Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, Tunji-Ojo assured that the country would continue to advance in peace, progress, and development with the collective support of its people. On behalf of the federal government, he wished Nigerians a joyful and memorable Independence Day celebration.
Independence Day is an annual public holiday observed on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. The day is celebrated nationwide with official ceremonies, military parades, cultural displays, and public events. Since independence, it has remained a major highlight in Nigeria’s civic calendar, with the president delivering a national broadcast while states host parades and festivities.
Nigerians in the diaspora also commemorate the occasion with events in cities such as New York, London, and Toronto, while international partners often issue goodwill messages. The holiday is legally recognised under the Public Holidays Act of 1979, which designates October 1 as Nigeria’s national day.
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Meanwhile, ahead of the 65th Independence anniversary, the federal government has announced plans to honour 250 outstanding Nigerians who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and patriotism in their fields.
The initiative, tagged Nigeria Celebrates, will culminate in the publication of a compendium showcasing top-performing Nigerians across the globe.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
