66th Independence: FG plans low-key celebration, inaugurates committee

Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens
Perm. Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, PEAO

"The committee is mandated to plan, organise and execute all approved activities for the October 1 celebration; co-opt organisations or individuals considered relevant to the successful execution of the programme; document the activities for posterity; and undertake any other assignment necessary for the successful implementation of the anniversary programme."

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the celebration scheduled to be held on a low-key basis.

The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, CON, was inaugurated on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Abuja.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, PEAO, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the anniversary offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and enduring legacies of the founding fathers and heroines who fought for the country’s independence from colonial rule.

He said the progress Nigeria had recorded since independence was built on the foundation laid by the nationalists, stressing the need to remember their sacrifices while reflecting on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960.

According to him, the anniversary would also provide an avenue for the present administration to showcase its achievements and highlight ongoing efforts to reposition the country through its reform initiatives amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.

The SGF, however, disclosed that activities marking the 66th anniversary would be low-key, urging members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1.

The programme of activities will commence with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by the Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25.

A Church Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, while an Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on Wednesday, September 30.

The anniversary will climax on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Others are the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare; Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Ms Kachollom Daju, mni; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu; Director-General, Department of State Services, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary, PEAO, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

The committee is mandated to plan, organise and execute all approved activities for the October 1 celebration; co-opt organisations or individuals considered relevant to the successful execution of the programme; document the activities for posterity; and undertake any other assignment necessary for the successful implementation of the anniversary programme.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Christopher Ugwuegbulam, Head, Information & Public Relations Department, on behalf of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.