Nigeria at 65: President Tinubu to Address the Nation at 7 a.m. Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu is set to deliver a national broadcast at 7 a.m. on Wednesday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The address will be aired live on Channels Television and various other electronic media platforms.

This will be President Tinubu’s third Independence Day speech since taking office on May 29, 2023.

The presidential broadcast is one of several events planned by the Federal Government to commemorate the country’s 65 years of independence. This year’s anniversary theme, “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” underscores the importance of national unity, collaboration, and patriotism. According to the government, the theme reflects Nigeria’s resilience since gaining independence in 1960 and the need to build on past achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

As part of the celebrations, a Juma’at prayer will be held on Friday, September 26, followed by an inter-denominational church service on Sunday, September 28.

However, the government has announced the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade originally scheduled for October 1. In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the cancellation was described as not detracting from the importance of the occasion. The government reaffirmed its commitment to marking the 65th anniversary with “dignity and enthusiasm.”