Independence: FG declares Thursday public holiday
Abimbola Joseph
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on Wednesday in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary and urged citizens to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
The minister said peace and stability remained essential to national development, urging Nigerians to uphold the values of love for country and unity associated with the nation’s founding generation.
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.
He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to pursue its objective of building a better Nigeria for all citizens.
The minister urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to reaffirm their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence and the country’s development.
