Nigeria Prepares For 65th Independence Day With Heartfelt National Thanksgiving

As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, offering prayers and giving thanks for the nation’s progress.

The event drew top government officials, security chiefs, and their spouses, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Other distinguished guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor Senator Simon Lalong, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.

Present among the service chiefs were the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service Mrs. Kemi Nandap, and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche.

The service followed the unveiling of the official theme and schedule for the 2025 Independence celebrations. This year’s anniversary is themed “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In line with the commemorative activities, a Juma’at Prayer and Inter-Denominational Church Service were scheduled for September 26 and September 28, respectively, while a World Press Conference is planned for September 29.

President Bola Tinubu, along with former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected to attend a special national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, on October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, Lagos, to mark the milestone.

Photographs from the service captured notable moments, including Senate President Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Akume, as well as Chief of Defence Staff Musa with the service chiefs in attendance.