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Nigeria @ 65 – FG cancels Independence Day parade

Published

7 months ago

September 30, 2025

The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, read.

It added that the government regrets any inconvenience caused, but stressed that other activities lined up for the anniversary will proceed as scheduled. These include the traditional presidential broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.

“The Federal Government deeply appreciates the understanding of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges all citizens to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” the statement added.

At a world press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, explained that Independence Day is not only a ceremonial date but an opportunity for sober reflection and renewed patriotism.

“Independence Day is a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to unity, peace, and progress,” Akume said.

This year’s theme, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” he noted, emphasises that the project of nation-building rests on collective responsibility.

Akume praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as “the guiding framework for transforming Nigeria.” He acknowledged the hardships Nigerians are facing but said the government is determined to stabilise the economy.

“The reforms are bold and sometimes difficult, but they are necessary to restore investor confidence, strengthen our fiscal position, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth,” the SGF said. He cited early results such as easing inflationary pressures, renewed foreign investment, targeted job creation initiatives, and expanded social programmes aimed at cushioning vulnerable groups.

Akume urged Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious divisions. “At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the 65th Independence Anniversary as “a monumental commemoration for our dear country.”

He likened the number 65 to sapphire, a stone he said symbolises loyalty, truth and wisdom.

“Just as sapphire is precious and enduring, so too is Nigeria’s journey as a sovereign nation—resilient, wise, and faithful to its destiny,” Idris said.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting reforms in taxation, education, infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, solid minerals, agriculture and healthcare. He added that Nigeria continues to demonstrate leadership in Africa through its peacekeeping roles, contributions to regional stability, and strong voice in global affairs.

“The theme of this 65th Anniversary, ‘All Hands on Deck,’ is a heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our partners around the world to support these landmark reforms and to work together for the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, and the anniversary has traditionally been marked with military parades, religious services and official addresses.

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IGP Disu meets NAPTIP DG, pledges stronger action against human trafficking

Published

3 seconds ago

April 22, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged stronger collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, in efforts to tackle human trafficking and organised crime.

The development was disclosed in a statement shared on April 22, 2026 on the official page of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the statement, the commitment was made when the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, paid a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on April 21.

Discussions during the meeting focused on improving cooperation between both agencies, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building.

The NAPTIP boss sought increased technical support and operational collaboration to strengthen the agency’s ability to address human trafficking and related crimes.

In his response, Disu assured that the police would support NAPTIP through intelligence-led strategies and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.

“The Force will deploy its operational and intelligence capabilities to support NAPTIP’s mandate,” the statement said.

Disu noted that specialised units, including the Intelligence Response Team and the police cybercrime unit, would provide technical assistance, while training programmes would also be expanded for NAPTIP personnel.

The two agencies agreed to sustain regular engagements to monitor progress and strengthen efforts against trafficking and organised crime across the country.

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I’m proud of my achievements as Finance Minister – Wale Edun opens up after sack

Published

14 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has expressed satisfaction with his tenure, stating that he is proud of the progress by the Nigerian economy recorded while in office.

Edun spoke a day after President Bola Tinubu announced his removal and appointed Taiwo Oyedele as his successor.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Edun thanked the President for the opportunity to serve in multiple roles since the administration began in May 2023, including as head of the Presidential Transition Committee, Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, and later Finance Minister.

“It has been an honour to contribute to the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey,” he said.

Reflecting on the state of the economy at the outset, Edun acknowledged that the government inherited significant challenges but noted that reforms undertaken during his tenure had begun to deliver results.

He cited improvements in economic growth from about 2 percent to over 4 percent and a decline in inflation from 35 percent to 15 percent, attributing the gains to efforts aimed at stabilising the macroeconomic environment and boosting investor confidence.

Edun said the progress recorded was a collective effort involving members of the Federal Executive Council, state governors, and stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

“I am proud of what we achieved alongside colleagues and the many dedicated professionals whose work continues to support the nation’s economic transformation,” he added.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, the former minister expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, describing reform as a continuous process. He also extended goodwill to his successor and reaffirmed his commitment to national service.

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PHOTOS: Ogun govt shuts down Ijebu-Imushin market over dirty environment, indiscriminate dumping of refuse

Published

21 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has shut down the Ijebu- Imushin market in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state over indiscriminate waste disposal.

Special Adviser to the Governor on OGWAMA, Farook Akintunde, said the closure of the market became necessary after several warnings to the market leaders and traders on the need to operate in a clean environment and stop the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the market surroundings.

He lamented that despite the agency’s mechanical evacuation of their heaps of waste and provision of a Roll On Roll Off Bin, the marketers returned to dumping the waste.

He said, “To make their behaviour unacceptable, they refuse to patronise the PSP assigned to them for proper evacuation of their waste and prefer to dump their waste indiscriminately in the market.

“Despite this, OGWAMA decided to clean the market through mechanical evacuation of their heaps of waste and thereafter provided a Roll On Roll Off Bin for them to deposit their waste for easy evacuation, but they refused to make use of the bin and decided to still dump their waste indiscriminately in the market.

“The state government, through OGWAMA, will not fold its hand and watch a few traders put the health and well-being of a flourishing town into jeopardy by operating in such a filthy environment,” Akintunde added.

He called on the traders and their leaders to clean the whole market and inculcate the habit of using the bin instead of dumping them indiscriminately in the market surroundings, adding that it attracts flies and contaminates wares sold to the public, thereby spreading avoidable diseases.

Akintunde insisted that until these are done, the market will remain shut in the overriding public interest.