The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the commemoration of a “low-key” 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
A statement signed by Head, Information & Public Relations Department, Chris Ugwuegbulam, on Friday noted that the Independence Day anniversary emphasises reflecting on the enduring legacies of the founding fathers.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting on Thursday in Abuja, the Chairman of the Committee and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said that the celebration provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and enduring legacies of the nation’s founding fathers and heroines who worked for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule.
The SGF, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Bekearedebo Warrens, noted that the achievements recorded by Nigeria since independence were built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists, stressing the importance of remembering their sacrifices while reflecting on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960.
He said the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the present administration to showcase its achievements and highlight efforts being undertaken to reposition the country through its reform initiatives, against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.
He emphasised that activities for this year’s celebration would be low-key, while urging members of the Committee to work with urgency given the limited time before October 1.
According to him, the programme of activities will commence with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, 2026; Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25; Church Service on Sunday, September 27, 2026; Independence Day Public Lecture on Wednesday, September 30, 2026; and the nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The Committee comprises the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as Chairman, with the following as members: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. 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, Bayo Onanuga.
The IMC also includes 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 (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju (MNI); Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office (CAO), Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General, Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
The Terms of Reference of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, according to the SGF, include planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the October 1, 2026 Independence Day celebration; co-opting any organisation or individual considered relevant to the successful execution of the programme; documenting the planned activities for posterity; and undertaking any other assignment that may be required to ensure the successful implementation of the celebration.
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