By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
MARKING HER 65th Independence Anniversary, a nationwide public holiday has been declared for Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The Federal Government confirmed the holiday through the Ministry of Interior, with the Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urging citizens to reflect on the values of unity, patriotism, and resilience that have defined the country since independence in 1960.
A statement issued by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, conveyed the minister’s message of congratulations to Nigerians for what he described as a “historic milestone.”
Tunji-Ojo noted that the nation had endured challenges over the decades but maintained cohesion through shared commitment to progress.
He called on citizens to remain steadfast in their faith in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which he said is aimed at national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
According to him, collective effort will ensure that Nigeria continues on the path of peace, development, and stability.
The anniversary celebrations will be highlighted by President Tinubu’s official inauguration of the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, now known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
The event is expected to draw state governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, industry leaders, academics, cultural ambassadors, and youth representatives.
The theatre’s renovation was financed and delivered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.
In a joint statement, the three institutions described the reopening as both a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative industries.
While the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee spearheaded financing and delivery, the ministry played a role in programming and policy alignment, ensuring the rejuvenated complex becomes a national asset for culture and creativity.
The reopening ceremony will include performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria and other prominent artists.
The programme will feature welcome remarks from CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, goodwill messages from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, alongside special remarks from Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
Details released ahead of the event show that the theatre has undergone extensive modernisation to meet international standards.
Key upgrades include a fully overhauled HVAC system, new electrical, water, and sewage infrastructure, modern fire safety measures, advanced audio-visual and lighting systems, world-class stage engineering, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of historic artworks across the façade and interiors.
Seventeen new passenger lifts have also been installed to improve accessibility.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, reflecting on the project, described it as more than a renovation. “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture.
The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the significance of the project, saying: “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture, but will also serve as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances.”
Minister Hannatu Musawa commended the project as a milestone, calling it “a gift to the nation and a source of pride.”
She added: “The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a milestone in our collective effort to preserve cultural assets while creating new opportunities for the creative industry.”
President Tinubu, who in July 2024 officially renamed the complex in honour of Wole Soyinka, is expected to use the reopening as a reaffirmation of his government’s commitment to cultural investment and national unity.
Ogun Governor Sues for Peace and Unity
Beyond Lagos, the anniversary has been marked with commemorations across the country.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun used the occasion to reflect on the founding ideals of the Nigerian nation. Speaking at an interdenominational church service at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, the governor said the dreams of the country’s founding fathers remain achievable.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun said: “The dreams of the founding fathers of Nigeria, where no man is oppressed, where opportunities abound for all, and where the wealth of the land is shared equitably, are realizable if Nigerians continue to hold fast to patriotism, integrity, service, and shared responsibility.”
He reminded citizens that the true measure of freedom lies in how it is used to serve, to build, and to bless others. He urged Nigerians to summon the courage to move beyond despair and embrace a future “bright with possibilities.”
Governor Abiodun acknowledged President Tinubu’s socioeconomic reforms, describing them as visionary and bold.
He noted that the policies under the Renewed Hope agenda were already attracting investors, stabilising the currency, and laying the foundation for inclusive prosperity.
He stressed that Ogun State remained aligned with the President’s vision through people-centred governance, with unity as the cornerstone of his administration’s progress.
The service featured prayers for the nation, Ogun State, political leaders, traditional institutions, and spiritual leaders.
Delivering the sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Awori Anglican Diocese, Rev. Dr. Johnson Akintomide, spoke on the theme: “A New Nigeria is Possible, the Time is Now.”
He said the gathering of the faithful signified gratitude and hope, acknowledging God’s hand in enabling Nigeria to reach its 65th anniversary.
Referencing the story of the Israelites’ deliverance as recorded in Isaiah 43, Rev. Akintomide drew parallels with Nigeria’s current struggles.
He noted that the country had been confronted with hardship, hunger, injustice, drug abuse, insecurity, political instability, and corruption.
He urged citizens not to dwell on past challenges but to recognise that God was ready to do a new thing in the country.
The bishop outlined what he described as necessary human cooperation with God in achieving transformation.
These included persistent prayer, raising godly leaders in churches and political offices, rejecting corruption, shunning tribalism, and avoiding the cursing and condemnation of government, which he said would not yield solutions.
The Ogun State event formed part of a broader series of interfaith observances and cultural activities nationwide to mark Nigeria’s 65th year of independence.
CBN and Others Celebrate
The CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, in their joint statement, reinforced this vision by highlighting their commitment to giving back to the nation through sustainable investments.
According to them, the renovation of the theatre serves as both preservation of heritage and creation of a platform for future growth.
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
Press Release
FG DECLARES WEDNESDAY 1ST OF OCTOBER PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK NIGERIA’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October, 2025 as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon(Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.
He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR), which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.
The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.
Dr. MAGDALENE Ajani
Permanent Secretary
29th September, 2025
