Nigeria is set to mark its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast to commemorate the occasion.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the broadcast will go live at 7 a.m. He urged television, radio stations, and other media outlets to link up with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to air the message across the country.
Independence Day broadcasts have become a long-standing tradition for Nigerian presidents. These annual addresses typically provide a moment of reflection on the nation’s journey since 1960, while also allowing the head of state to outline policy directions, highlight progress, and reassure citizens about the future.
President Tinubu, since assuming office, has used his Independence Day speeches to touch on some of the country’s most pressing challenges. In 2023, his maiden broadcast focused heavily on economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and renewed strategies for tackling insecurity. A year later, in 2024, his message appealed for patience, telling Nigerians that the tough sacrifices demanded by ongoing reforms would yield long-term benefits.
This year’s speech, which coincides with Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence from Britain, is expected to spotlight key areas such as economic recovery, security operations, and the administration’s push to complete major infrastructure projects. Analysts also anticipate that Tinubu will reflect on Nigeria’s resilience as Africa’s most populous country and largest democracy, while reassuring citizens about the government’s roadmap for stability and growth.
Nigeria gained independence from colonial rule on October 1, 1960. For more than six decades, the day has been marked with presidential addresses, military parades, and national celebrations that remind citizens of the country’s journey through both trials and triumphs.
As the nation pauses to reflect on 65 years of sovereignty, all eyes will be on President Tinubu’s message to see how his administration intends to steer the country in the face of economic challenges and security concerns.