The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Wednesday.
The minister congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion, urging citizens to use the anniversary to reflect on the nation’s journey and renew their commitment to its unity, peace and development.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted Nigeria’s human and natural resources, describing the country’s warmth, welcoming spirit and love as important national assets.
He said, “Our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land, makes Nigeria unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
The minister stressed that peace and stability remained essential to the progress and development of any nation.
According to him, Nigerians must emulate the patriotism of the country’s founding fathers by placing the interests of the nation above individual differences.
“Peace and stability are necessary conditions for the development of any nation,” Tunji-Ojo said, urging Nigerians to “emulate the nation’s founding fathers in their love for fatherland and build a Nigeria of our dreams that our children will be proud of.”
He maintained that the vision of a better Nigeria remained achievable if citizens collectively committed themselves to national development.
“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,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, would continue to pursue measures aimed at improving the wellbeing and security of citizens.
He said the administration was committed to ensuring “a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past.”
The minister called on Nigerians to make the Independence celebration an opportunity to demonstrate patriotism, unity and peaceful coexistence.
“I urge all Nigerians to use this Independence celebration as an opportunity to demonstrate the values of unity, patriotism, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect,” he said.
He also assured citizens that the government remained committed to strengthening national security and improving public safety.
“The Federal Government remains committed to strengthen national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens can live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to remain hopeful and committed to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.