The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, as a public holiday to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary celebration. This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government. The declaration was made in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad on this year's celebration of the 66th Independence anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He expressed that Nigeria's warmth, welcoming spirit, love, abundant wealth inherent in its human capital, and the richness of its land make it unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world.
According to Dr. Tunji-Ojo, 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 the fatherland and build a Nigeria of their dreams that their children will be proud of. He emphasized that a new Nigeria is achievable.
The Minister reassured Nigerians that the administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens. 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 also 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. He emphasized that the government will continue to work towards building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The Minister's statement also highlighted the importance of Nigeria's diversity as a strength and the collective determination of its people as the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built. He encouraged Nigerians to remember that there is hope for the country.
The declaration of the public holiday is a yearly tradition in Nigeria, where October 1st is celebrated as a public holiday to mark the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1960. This year's celebration marks 66 years of Nigeria's independence.
Key points
- The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared October 1, 2026, as a public holiday to mark the nation's 66th Independence anniversary.
- The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence anniversary and called on them to emulate the nation's founding fathers.
- The 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.
