The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the committee, performed the inauguration ceremony.
Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Mrs Bekearedebo Warren, urged members to ensure that the enduring legacies of the nation’s founding fathers and heroines are reflected in the celebrations.
He said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and enduring legacies of those who worked for the country’s independence from colonial rule.
He said the achievements recorded by Nigeria since independence were built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists.
The SGF stressed the importance of remembering their sacrifices while reflecting on the nation’s journey since Oct. 1, 1960.
He said the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the present administration to showcase its achievements and highlight efforts to reposition the country through its reform initiatives amid the socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.
Akume said activities marking the anniversary would be low-key, urging members of the committee to work with urgency given the limited time before Oct. 1.
According to him, the programme of activities will commence with a World Press Conference on Sept. 24.
He said this would be followed by the Juma’at Service on Sept. 25; Church Service on Sept. 27; Independence Day Public Lecture on Sept. 30; and the nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 1.
The committee comprises the SGF as Chairman and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as members.
Others are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Also on the committee are the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, among others.
The SGF said the committee’s Terms of Reference include planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the Oct. 1, 2026 Independence Day celebration.
He said the committee was also mandated to co-opt organisations or individuals considered relevant to the successful execution of the programme and document the planned activities for posterity.
Other responsibilities, according to him, include undertaking any other assignment that may be required to ensure the successful implementation of the celebration.
