ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1st, 2026, as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration.
The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the Minister congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that Nigeria’s warmth, welcoming spirit, love, abundant human capital and richness of its land make the country unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world, being Africa’s pride and a beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
According to the Minister, peace and stability are necessary conditions for the development of any nation. He therefore called on Nigerians to emulate the nation’s founding fathers in their love for fatherland and to build a Nigeria of our dreams that our children will be proud of, stressing that a new Nigeria is achievable.
“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,” the Minister said.
The Minister, as contained in the statement by Dr. Ajani, reassured that this administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens as a befitting tribute to our heroes past.
He urged citizens to use the Independence celebration as an opportunity to demonstrate the values of unity, patriotism, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens can live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.
