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The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens at home and abroad to use the occasion to reflect on the nation’s journey and its shared future.
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Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, called for greater commitment to national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, saying Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
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The minister stressed that peace and stability are critical to national development, urging Nigerians to emulate the patriotism of the country’s founding fathers and collectively build a nation that future generations can be proud of.
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Tunji-Ojo assured citizens that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise national security and public safety, while pursuing an environment that enables Nigerians to live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations.
September 30, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary, describing the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress since independence and renew commitment to its unity and development.
The minister urged Nigerians to make patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect central to their relationship with one another, stressing that the country’s diversity remains one of its major strengths.
He said peace and stability were essential to the development of any nation, calling on citizens to draw inspiration from the commitment to country demonstrated by Nigeria’s founding fathers.
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” Tunji-Ojo said.
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The minister also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, citing the country’s human capital, natural resources and the resilience and hospitality of its people.
He described Nigeria as a major source of pride and hope on the African continent, while linking the government’s development efforts to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the administration remained committed to building a better country and making the welfare and security of citizens central to its programmes.
He said the government would continue to strengthen national security and improve public safety while creating an environment where Nigerians could live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.
The minister urged citizens to use the Independence celebration to recommit themselves to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
66 Years After Independence
Nigeria attained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, with the milestone formally ending decades of colonial administration.
The date has since been observed annually as the country’s Independence Day, providing an opportunity for Nigerians to commemorate the nation’s sovereignty and reflect on its political, economic and social journey.
The 66th anniversary comes as the Federal Government continues to implement its Renewed Hope Agenda amid efforts to address security, economic and development challenges confronting the country.
As part of this year’s observance, the Federal Government called on Nigerians to see the anniversary beyond a ceremonial occasion and use it to reinforce their collective responsibility for the country’s future.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
