FG inaugurates committee on 66th Independence, opts for low-key celebration

The federal government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to organise the programmes for the commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with emphasis on reflecting on the enduring legacies of the founding fathers.

The Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the SGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, who disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, said the committee was inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and chairman of the committee, Senator George Akume, said the 66th Independence Anniversary 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) Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the achievements recorded by Nigeria since independence were built on the foundation laid by the country’s nationalists.

He highlighted the importance of remembering their sacrifices while reflecting on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960.

The event, he said, 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-keyed, while urging members of the committee to work with urgency given the limited time before October 1.

According to him, the programme of activities would 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 Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The committee comprises the SGF as the chairman with the following as members: 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, 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, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

The committee 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; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Ms. Kachollom Daju, mni; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office (CAO), 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, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.